Food Security, Genetic Engineering: National Biosafety Management Agency seeks collaboration

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) says it is collaborating with stakeholders to ensure food security in the country, even as the Federal Government is positioning Genetic Engineering as one of the tools to drive the economy, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, stated this during a capacity-building workshop for staff of the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC) in Abuja.

Ebegba explained that the meeting was held to strengthen relationships following the Memorandum of Understanding signed over 18 months ago.

“We are particularly keen on this training to strengthen you and create awareness to serve as a voice over the safety of our country.

“The issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has been very contentious and you, as a voice to the vanguard of consumer choice, need to know what GMOs stand for,” the DG stressed.

Ebegba, further said that the Federal Government has a policy that has positioned Genetic Engineering as one of the tools to drive the economy through the agricultural sector.

According to him, genetic engineering would produce raw materials, provide jobs and ensure food security in the country.

“It is our duty as NBMA to ensure that these products are safe for consumption.

“You, FCCPC also need to know the efforts being made by the government so that these products are safe for human consumption and to our environment.

“You need to know and help dispel the fears associated with these products particularly when the government confirms anyone safe,” the DG noted.

On his part, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukere, said the issue of biosafety cannot be compromised, adding that it is of top priority.

Represented by the Assistant Director, Quality Assurance and Development, FCCPC, Mr Jude Akonam, Irukere pointed out that the workshop would enhance participants’ jobs and responsibilities to the public.

Also, the Director, Planning and Research, NBMA, Mrs Scholastica Bello, said that the agency has put in place several measures to ensure food safety in the country.

“NBMA sees FCCPC as a partner on the actualization of engagement with the public on biosafety matters, especially on GMOs’ approval in Nigeria,” she said.

Bello, therefore, assured that wrong and misleading information on modern biotechnology and biosafety would be cleared.

Source: Agro Nigeria