NBMA Strengthens Nigeria’s Defences Against Biological Risks

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) says it is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s defences against biological risks.

The move follows recent reports of suspected viral haemorrhagic fevers in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, which the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed negative.

The Director General NBMA, Dr Agnes Asagbra disclosed this in a Press statement in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Dr Asagbra reaffirmed the Agency commitment to safeguarding human, animal, and plant health, as well as the environment, by regulating modern biotechnology and putting measures in place to ensure the safe management of emerging biological threat agents.

“Recent reports of suspected viral haemorrhagic fevers in Nigeria and neighboring countries are a reminder that biosecurity is a shared responsibility. To keep our nation safe, every stakeholder—including government at all levels, community leaders, and the general public must play their part, ’’she said.

Dr Asagbra noted that the agency is ensuring that all necessary measures are in place for prevention, preparedness, and response to biological threat agents and misuse of biotechnology.

‘’Success requires the active participation of all Nigerians: state and local governments must provide leadership and resources; traditional and religious leaders must guide communities responsibly; and every individual must practice good hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid risky practices.

‘’Together as a nation, we can ensure that Nigeria remains safe, healthy, and resilient against Ebola and all other biosecurity threats,’’ she explained.

Dr Asagbra stated that “the Agency is collaborating with ministries, departments, agencies, and partners to enforce biosecurity measures at points of entry, laboratories, farms, and healthcare facilities.”

‘’By integrating biosafety with national security, NBMA—together with other relevant stakeholders ensures that Nigeria is better protected against outbreaks and potential bio-threats,’’ she said

Dr Asagbra also advised Nigerians to rely only on verified information from the NCDC, NBMA, and authorised sources and avoids spreading rumors or misinformation.

The Director General further urged Nigerians to report immediately to a hospital if feeling unwell, especially after travel outside the country, and clearly explain travel history to healthcare workers.

She said; ‘’Practice proper hand hygiene—wash hands frequently with soap and running water or use alcohol-based sanitizers… Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever, bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea.

“Avoid contact with wild animals such as bats, monkeys, or apes; ensure all animal products are well-cooked before eating.’’
She said.

Dr Asagbra also urged community leaders to use their influence to promote trust in health authorities and discourage harmful rumours or misinformation.

‘’Encourage safe burial practices and discourage contact with corpses of suspected infectious disease victims. Mobilize communities to adopt hygiene practices, report unusual illnesses, and support surveillance efforts,’’ she said.

According to her, state and local authorities play a critical role in achieving national biosecurity.

“They must support and equip surveillance and rapid response team ensure containment and treatment centres are functional and ready.

“Enforce biosafety and biosecurity regulations in laboratories, abattoirs, markets and farms, invest in public awareness campaigns including translating NCDC’s and other national safety advisories into local languages at grassroots level,” Dr Asagbra added.