Director-General (D-G), National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Agnes Asagbra, has reassured Nigerians on the safety of consuming Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Asagbra stated this at a press briefing on Friday, November 22, 2024, in Abuja, allaying fears that GMOs are harmful.
“Our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment and we will not compromise on these because this is an agency of integrity.
“It is important for the public to understand that without NBMA, Nigeria could become a dumping ground for unregulated potentially harmful GMOs and the products of biotechnology.
“Our agency is a shield against such dangers ensuring that only safe biotechnological products enter our markets,” she said.
Asagbra frowned at the fact that, in recent times, the agency had been the target of attacks by some NGOs.
“It is therefore crucial as a DG to address this unfounded allegations and reassure the public of the agency’s commitment to the unwavering safety of Nigerians and all those who live in Nigeria.
“NBMA was established with safety as it’s top priority in 2015 and every GMO approved by NBMA undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny and strict regulatory procedures to ensure it meets the highest safety standards.
“Our regulatory framework is designed to protect us as Nigerians, other citizens, environment and our biodiversity from every harm,” she noted.
Asagbra said that the negative statements circulating are not only misleading but lack credible scientific backing.
“We ask these organisations to provide verifiable scientific evidence for their claims.
“Our agency relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognised protocols to make informed decisions and also belong to the Cartagena Protocol,” Asagbra explained.
By Abigael Joshua
