The Director General National Biosafety Management Agency NBMA, Dr Agnes Asagbra has warned Nigerians to stay off “Cow-Skin popularly known as Pomo in Nigeria” following the official confirmation of Anthrax disease in the country.
The DG while answering questions from Journalists at a press briefing in Abuja the nation’s capital, reaffirmed that the Agency had already made press statement to caution Nigerians when the disease was first discovered in Ghana.
Dr Asagbra said; “The NBMA has made two press statements when it was first discovered in Ghana, we released a press statement when the disease now came to Nigeria, we released another press statement, and what I would advise for now is to avoid eating pomo for now. We know this microorganism is quite virulent and if it gets in contact with your food or somebody who has it gets in contact with you, it could spread to others, like it is said prevention is better than cure, there are other things to be eaten although somebody might say cook, eat and cook it well, you never can tell so the best thing is to stay off it for now. ”
She reiterated the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s biodiversity by ensuring the safe use of modern biotechnology.
She said that the Agency would continue to enhance Biosafety standards and work assiduously to foster Biosafety standards in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“We aim to establish a world-class regulatory system that will instill confidence among citizens and investors alike, transparency and public engagement, we derecognize the significance of transparency and public engagement in matters of Biosafety. We will actively promote open dialogue and consult with the public to address concerns and disseminate information effectively,” Dr Asagbra said.
She said that NBMA would strive to achieve excellence in Biosafety governance.
Dr Asagbra further said; “Our vision is to create an environment where cutting-edge technology and its applications can coexist harmoniously with our environment, public health and sosocio-economiceeds, the key focus of my work here shall be enhancing Biosafety standards.”
She also noted that the Agency would proactively adapt to the changing landscape to ensure that its regulatory framework remains effective and up to date.
“It is essential to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology its demands its constant vigilance and a robust regulatory framework ensuring the safe and responsible use of genetically modified organisms properly called GMOs. And other biotechnological advancements will be a top priority for our agencies, like i said earlier, the world is not static, as Biotechnology continues to evolve we will closely monitor emerging technologies. I am committed to upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and excellence, together with your support and the collective efforts of our dedicated team.’’ Dr Asagbra explained.
She said that the NBMA would also seek partnerships with national and international organisations, research institutions and private sectors to foster knowledge and exchange mutually beneficial endeavors that will build existing collaborations to ensure that the mandate of the agency is achieved.
“Capacity building the development of human resources is vital to the success of any organisation and therefore us is not different. We will invest in training and skill development programmes for our staff and partners to stay at the forefront of Biosafety regulations regulation, collaboration and partnerships. We believe that success can only be achieved through strong collaboration, “she said.
Dr Asagbra also stressed that the Agency would put in place measures to ensure that Biosecurity is present in Nigeria and also guard against Bio weapons.
She said; “In 2019, the NBMA Act was amended and it brought in about Biosecurity and that’s very real and what we have seen in our modern day, therefore in addition to Biosafety, we have Biosecurity and we will put in place measures to ensure that Biosecurity is present in this country and guard against bio weapons.’’
Biological weapons are microorganisms like virus, bacteria or fungi, or toxic substances produced by living organisms that are produced and released deliberately to cause disease and death in humans, animals or plants.
Biological agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin and plague can pose a difficult public health challenge causing large numbers of deaths in a short amount of time.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
