NBMA seeks collaboration with interpol on biosafety permit

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is seeking collaboration with the Interpol as part of efforts to ensure safe application of modern biotechnology and the use of its products, which includes Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Director General of the Agency, Dr. Rufus Ebegba disclosed this when he led the management team of the agency on a courtesy visit to the office of the commissioner of police and head of Interpol National Centre Bureau (NCB), Olushola Subair, who is also head of the Interpol committee delegate representing Africa.

The DG said the essence of the collaboration is to synergise with the Interpol and to make sure that the agency is promptly alerted whenever GM seed or grain comes into the country without Biosafety permit and to also ascertain country of origin and those involved.

Rufus said NBMA has signed memorandum of understanding with other sister agencies, in a bid to ensure its mandate is achieved, noting that collaboration with the centre will help the agency to deliver on its mandate.

Responding, head of the Interpol NCB, Subair said the Interpol is ready and very willing to collaborate with the agency to ensure that the mandate of the NBMA is achieved, noting that there are very key areas Interpol can collaborate with the Agency.

The CP assured of the Interpol’s collaboration with the agency in terms of training, provision of protective kits and equipment for staff of the NBMA, among others.

Subair later led the NBMA’s delegation to the centre’s cybercrime unit and the digital resource centre.