NBMA’s DG/CEO Urges Collaboration In Ensuring Safe Application Of Modern Biotech 

Oru Leonard 

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, has said that there is need for synergy and collaboration between stakeholders involved in the activities of modern biotechnology in order to ensure its safe application for the benefit of Nigerians.

Dr. Asabgra said this on Monday, 15th May 2023, when the team of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) paid a courtesy visit to the Agency.

“I am told that AATF understands the importance of Biosafety to the success of their activities and have advocated for a strong biosafety system in Nigeria through their support for the training of lawyers on Biosafety issues, study tours, adherence to biosafety tenet and public awareness/communication programmes. We wish to ask that we continue to enjoy such supports and to further discuss areas within your policy that will enhance our National Biosafety system”.

“The task of safeguarding Nigerians is not one to be done alone, I will need you to stand with us and lend your voice to our campaign for Biosafety and Bio-security in Nigeria. The Agency has and will continue to ensure safety of GMOs to humans, animals and the environment for economic benefit as well as ensure bio-security in Nigeria”.

She said there is need to enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s biosafety system noting that while Nigeria is being celebrated at the global biosafety space, at home there are still some who are bent on misleading the public with unscientific facts.

“Under my watch therefore as DG/CEO NBMA and with the power vested on the Agency, I will resist every action contravening the NBMA Act 2015 as amended in 2019. Let it be known that it is only GMOs confirmed safe by NBMA, after carrying out risk assessment and risk management that will be permitted in Nigeria. The government’s goal of establishing the National Biosafety Management Agency must be achieved, and all hands must be put on deck.”

Considering the achievements and strides made by the former DG/CEO, I understand the agitation on the minds of most stakeholders “Can she fill the big shoes”?

“Indeed, Dr. Rufus Ebegba laid a solid foundation in the regulation of Modern Biotechnology in Nigeria and Africa in general, in ensuring an adequate level of protection in the field of safe transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology. Under my watch, the Agency will not rest on these laurels or lower the standard already set. No, we will definitely strive to consolidate on all that has been put in place and strengthen the areas of weakness”.

Leader of the AATF team and Executive Director of the foundation Dr. Canisius Kanangire congratulated Dr. Asagbra on her appointed and expressed pride over the fact that Nigeria has been the first African country to commercialize BT cowpea and Tela Maize.

He said the “cowpea has revolutionized the industry due to its immense benefits to farmers and Nigerians and this is why other African countries are following after the footsteps of Nigeria as many are now accepting the commercial release of the BT cowpea and Tela maize”.

The team presented her with their newly developed strategy which will be used for the next five years.