To safeguard the interests of the country, the Nigerian government has affirmed its commitment to tackling the matter of importing Genetically Modified Products (GMP) by implementing appropriate measures. During a press conference held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, the Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), made an announcement regarding the progress and activities of the Agency with regards to super stores. She emphasized that the meeting holds immense significance as it enables her to reaffirm the agency’s responsibility of overseeing genetically modified items in the nation.
According to Asagbra, the main priority lies in the objective itself, which revolves around the essential issue of bringing in genetically modified products. This is a matter that requires the agency’s undivided attention, cooperation, and meticulous scrutiny. Asagbra stressed the close partnership between the agency and major Retail stores, highlighting their shared commitment to ensuring that the importation of genetically modified products complies with the most stringent biosafety regulations. The agency plays a vital role in offering comprehensive support, guidance, and expertise throughout this process.
Agency has responsibility of harnessing measures accountably.
Her statement emphasized the importance of taking into account the intricate realm of Biotechnology. It served as a reminder that the choices that we all make in the present have a profound impact on the future of fields such as agriculture, health, and the environment. Embracing the concept of biosafety not only ensures compliance with regulations but also plays a pivotal role in building a sustainable and resilient world for future generations. This is what the NBMA was established to achieve.
Asagbra also noted that the agency must take on the joint responsibility of ensuring that the progress is harnessed in a secure and accountable manner. Dr. Asagbra believes that biosafety goes beyond mere regulation; it demonstrates a dedication to the Welfare of our people and the world we live in. By using genetically modified products, we can tackle significant global issues like ensuring food security, enhancing crop resilience, and improving Nutrition for all. The agency aims to safeguard human health, biodiversity and the environment from any potential, adverse effect of genetically modified organisms including Food Safety.
Violators of the regulations will be punished.
Also, she emphasized that offenders and individuals who choose to disregard the regulations and directives set forth by the agency will face consequences. The agency holds the authority to impose penalties on any establishment that violates the law without hesitation. Furthermore, the Act, specifically section 39, grants the agency the power to conduct inspections, monitoring, and enforcement as per its responsibilities. According to the Act, the agency has the power to “in company of a Law Enforcement Officer, enter the premises, facility, laboratory, field, farm or other place, institutions or bodies covered by this Act to take action necessary to determine compliance with the Act.”
“It is strongly recommended that you obtain a copy of the act from our website in order to familiarize yourselves with its provisions, ensuring that no one is caught off guard,” she advised. Under section 22 of the amended NBMA Act 2015, it is stipulated that the Agency’s approval or permit is mandatory for any individual, institution, or entity involved in importing, exporting, transiting, conducting contained use, confined field trials, or multi-locational trials.
NBMA Act was passed in 2015 and amended in 2019.
Basically, a significant Legislation called the National Biosafety Management Agency Act was passed in 2015 in Nigeria, and it was further amended in 2019. This Act was what gave birth to an agency whose primary purpose is to regulate and oversee the various activities related to modern biotechnology within the country. By doing so, this agency plays a vital role in protecting both lives and the environment from any harmful consequences that may arise from such biotechnology activities in Nigeria.
