The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has ordered the immediate suspension of four newly registered genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties following the discovery of regulatory violations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency disclosed that the affected transgenic cotton hybrids, “MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002,” were registered on 26 March 2026 without its approval, contrary to provisions of the National Biosafety Management Act 2015.
According to NBMA, its surveillance and compliance monitoring systems uncovered serious abnormalities.
“In the registration process. Further verification revealed that the varieties were approved by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries without the legally required biosafety clearance,” the statement reads.
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The agency also noted that confined field trials and other related activities involving the GM cotton varieties were conducted without prior authorisation, inspection, or regulatory oversight.
“At no time did NBMA grant approval for confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of these varieties,” the statement emphasised.
Under Nigerian law, any research, trial, or release of genetically modified organisms must receive explicit approval from NBMA. Violations of this requirement constitute a breach of national biosafety regulations,” it said.
The NBMA has also directed the relevant committee to halt any further action on the registration and release of the affected varieties pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The agency warned that appropriate sanctions would be applied in line with existing laws.
“Despite the infractions, NBMA reassured the public that there is currently no evidence of immediate risk to human health or the environment.”
“The Agency is handling this matter with utmost seriousness. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure continued safety and regulatory integrity,” the statement added.
NBMA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that biotechnology activities in Nigeria adhere strictly to national regulations and international best practices, noting that updates will be provided as investigations progress.
The public will be kept informed as the investigations continue.