The National Biosafety Management Agency NBMA, the agency saddled with the responsibility of regulation and safety of biotechnology application in Nigeria, says it remains committed to ensuring the safety and responsible regulation of GMOs in Nigeria.
The Director General, NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra made the commitment at the world media conference on GM technology in agriculture in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
She said The NBMA is Nigeria’s sole authority on biosafety matters. “We enforce standards, guidelines, and risk assessment procedures for GMOs. Our commitment is rooted in the National Biosafety Management Agency Act and its regulations”
“While concerns exist about long-term effects, the current scientific consensus supported by the NBMAs that GMO foods approved for consumption in Nigeria are safe, this is because rigorous risk assessments guide our decisions”
According to the Director General, before granting approvals for any genetically modified organism (GMO), NBMA conducts rigorous risk assessments, these assessments evaluate potential risks to human health, the environment, and biodiversity.
The process she said involves scientific experts who analyze data, conduct experiments, and assess the safety of the GMO in question.
“The NBMA considers factors such as allergenicity, toxicity, and unintended effects resulting from genetic modifications,” she noted.
NAFDAC INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS
Dr. Asagbra, said NBMA actively engages with the public, stakeholders, and relevant organizations on biosafety including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, especially as it relates to safety of humans, the plants, and preservation of biodiversity in Nigeria.
She stated that NAFDAC is part of the biosafety process as they are a member of the National Biosafety technical sub-committee taking care of the aspect of toxicology, safety and allergenicity.
The Acting Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) Dr. Kahild Ishiak, debunked insinuations relating to the viability and safety of GMOs seeds.
Dr. Ishiak said Seeds from GM materials that have been bred in Nigeria can be replanted.
“However, as with the conventional seeds, we have always advised farmers to always buy new seeds for optimal yield gain, planting the offspring or farmer’s safe seeds from harvested materials may lead to yield low by about 10-15% and up to 25% in some instances”.
