Nigeria to address importation of Genetically Modify Product

The Nigeria government says it has put measure in place to address the issue of the importation of Genetically Modify Products in the interest of the country.

The Director General National Biosafety Management Agency in Nigeria, Dr Agnes Asagbra, stated this in at a media briefing on the Agency activities and progress with super stores in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“This meeting is also very important as it serves as an opportunity for me to restate the agency’s mandate of regulating genetically modified products in the country, our purpose here is pivotal, as we address the critical issue of the importation of genetically modified products, a topic that demands our attention, collaboration, and careful consideration.” She said.

She said the Agency would work hand-in-hand with superstores, providing support, guidance, and expertise to ensure that the importation of genetically modified products aligns with the highest standards of Biosafety.

“As we navigate the complex landscape of biotechnology, let us remember that our decisions today shape the future of agriculture, health, and the environment. By embracing Biosafety, we not only fulfill our regulatory obligations but also contribute to a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.” She stated.

Dr Asagbra also noted that it is the collective responsibility of the Agency to ensure that the advancements are harnessed safely and responsibly.

According to Dr, Asagbra, “Biosafety is not merely a regulatory hurdle, it is a commitment to the well-being of our citizens and the environment. Genetically modified products have the potential to address global challenges such as food security, crop resilience, and nutritional enhancement.”

She however warned offenders and those who go against the rulesand guidelines of the Agency that they will not go unpunished.

“The Agency will not hesitate to wield the big stick of penalties against any establishment that contravenes the law, the Act under section 39 also empowers the agency to inspect, monitor and enforce its mandate and I will advise you all to get a copy of the act which is available on our website to acquaint yourselves with its provisions so no one is found wanting.”

“The NBMA Act 2015 as amended under section 22 states that “no person, institution or body shall import, export, transit, carry out the contained use, confined field trial, multi-locational trial without the approval or permit of the Agency”.

The agency was established by the National Biosafety Management Agency Act of 2015 amended in 2019 which serves as a regulatory body guiding modern biotechnology activities in Nigeria to ensure the safeguarding of lives and the environment from the adverse effect of biotechnology activities in Nigeria.