Only safe GMO products are allowed in Nigeria – DG

The Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Ebegba has assured that only safe Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) are allowed in Nigeria.

Ebegba said this at a media chat with journalists in Abuja.
The DG said that the agency has ensured that only safe modern biotechnology activities and GMO products are allowed in Nigeria.

He said that there were guidelines to ensure effectiveness in the discharge of the agency’s mandate.

Ebegba said that the agency has created a robust synergy among stakeholders for effective regulation of GMOs and their products as well as signing of MoU with relevant regulatory agencies.

“This is ensured through biosafety risk assessment and regular nationwide survey/surveillance, tracking and profiling of GMOs to ensure compliance with the Biosafety Permit conditions,” he said.

Ebegba said that the agency has established a Biosafety National GMO Detection and Analysis Laboratory with standard equipment.

“NBMA has become a training hub for local and international university students on GMO Detection and Analysis.

“Nigeria is benefiting from safe modern biotechnology under a legal framework for economic growth.

“Improved agriculture, job and wealth creation, industrial growth and sustainable environment as operators now have confidence in the sector,” the DG said.