Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
In spite of the controversy surrounding the acceptance of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and its products in Nigeria, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) as part of efforts to regulate‎ the technology.
This was made known in a statement ‎signed by the Director General of the agency, Dr. Rufus Ebegba‎.
He noted that the MoU presented the various agencies the needed platform for synergy and the opportunity to fast track the management of issues of genetic modification in a way to safeguard the health of Nigerians and the environment.
According to Ebegba, NBMA does not promote GMOs but promotes safety measures that would ensure the overall wellbeing of Nigerians.
He added: “The MoU remained a landmark development in the history of Biosafety in the country as it will ensure the agencies speak with one voice on issues of Biosafety in Nigeria.
The controversy surrounding GMOs will not abate soon therefore, it is important for us, as government, to work together and be courageous to say the truth without fear or favour.”
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Director, NAQS, Dr. Vincent Iselgbe, said that the MoU provided the necessary framework for his firm to collaborate with NBMA as far as import and export of GMOs are concerned.
He also acknowledged the vital role NBMA is playing in safeguarding the health of Nigerians.
“The existence of the NBMA is vital for our country. The Agency is in the forefront of protecting the health of Nigerians, as well as the environment. The country’s agriculture is currently saddled with challenges such as army worms and other insect infestations, these developments reinforce the need for all to support the NBMA in carrying out its mandate,†Iselgbe said.
On his part, the Director General of NASC, Dr. Phillip Ojo, said that the National Seed Policy recognises the place of GM seeds, hence, the need for the council to work closely with NBMA in regulating the nation’s seed industry.
The MoU took into cognisance the mandates of the various agencies’ specified areas of partnership in the import and export of GM products, seed multiplication and commercialisation, and handling.
