NBMA Halts Registration of New GM Cotton Varieties Over Regulatory Breaches
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has ordered the immediate suspension of four newly registered genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties, citing serious violations of national biosafety regulations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency disclosed that the affected transgenic cotton hybrids—MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002—were registered on March 26, 2026, by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries without obtaining the mandatory approval from NBMA.
According to the agency, its surveillance and compliance monitoring systems flagged “serious compliance abnormalities” surrounding the registration process. Further verification revealed that confined field trials and other related activities involving the GM cotton varieties were conducted without prior authorization, inspection, or regulatory oversight.
NBMA emphasized that under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended), no individual or institution is permitted to carry out confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of genetically modified organisms without its explicit approval.
“Any action taken outside this framework constitutes a violation of national biosafety regulations,” the agency stated.
As part of immediate corrective measures, NBMA has directed the registration committee to halt all processes related to the affected varieties pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. The agency also warned that appropriate sanctions would be applied in line with existing laws.
While assuring the public, NBMA noted that there is currently no evidence of immediate risk to public health or the environment. It added that necessary steps are being taken to safeguard regulatory integrity and ensure strict compliance with biosafety standards.
The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all biotechnology activities in Nigeria align with national legislation and international best practices, promising to keep the public updated as investigations continue.
