The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reassured Nigerians that no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will enter Nigeria or used by Nigerians without passing through the agency’s strict, science-based approval process to safeguard health of the citizens.

It also stated that any importer or producer found to contravene the NBMA Act 2015 (as amended) would face appropriate sanctions, as it will not hesitate to enforce the law to protect Nigerians, the environment, and biodiversity.

In a statement by Head Information and Public Relations, Gloria Ogbaki, the agency said their attention have been drawn to recent ongoing debates surrounding the introduction of GMOs into Nigeria, and to state decisions are made strictly on science.  

According to Ogbaki, the agency has the national mandate to regulate the safe use of modern biotechnology and its products, including GMOs. “Our responsibility is clear: to protect human health, biodiversity, and the environment, while ensuring Nigerians have access to safe innovation.

“Before any GMO can be imported, produced, or commercialised in Nigeria, the NBMA would undertake a rigorous screening and that requires a detailed application supported by scientific data, risk assessments, and safety studies.

“In keeping with its transparency mandate, we publish each application in at least two national newspapers and deposits copies at strategic locations across the country. This 21-day public notice allows Nigerians and stakeholders to review the application, raise concerns, or provide feedback.”

She noted that the agency has brought independent experts into the process. “A National Biosafety Committee and a Technical Sub-Committee, made up of relevant scientists from universities, research institutes, professional bodies, and government agencies, carefully review the evidence.
 
“They examine the molecular biology, toxicology, allergenicity, nutritional impact, the history of safe use, potential environmental effects and many more, and in the case of an approved confined trial, the Agency follows a very rigorous regulatory  process requiring some number of years of assessing the trial period in which the data generated from the process.”

The agency warned that any importer or producer who violates the NBMA Act will face firm sanctions without hesitation, noting that science, not sentiment, guides its decisions. “NBMA aligns its processes with global best practices, including standards of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

She, however, maintained that transparency is central. “The public is always given the opportunity to scrutinize applications and provide input before decisions are taken. Consumer rights are protected. Labelling of GMOs is mandatory by law, to safeguard Nigerians’ freedom of choice.
 
“Nigeria is a continental leader. Our regulatory system has been recognised across Africa and has served as a model for several countries building their biosafety frameworks. We assure Nigerians that no GMO is allowed into Nigeria without passing through the world’s most stringent safety and regulatory processes.”