Unveiling national biosecurity action plan

The Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor, has assured that National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan will improve areas of infrastructure, technology and advocacies as frontiers to ensure prevention and preparedness to Biothreats.

Ikeazor, who disclosed this during the unveiling of the National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan 2022-2026, in Abuja, said the policy has been articulated to reinvigorate the country’s commitment to the protection of National sovereignty, human and biodiversity security and the wellbeing of Nigerians.

While applauding the efforts of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), she said: “NBMA is always making Nigeria proud and this policy document reflects it, also occupying an enviable position in the meeting of biosafety matters in Africa is a worthwhile achievement any federal agency should aspire.

“I am honestly happy to unveil this policy document as I look forward to seeing full implementation of it and all relevant agencies should please encourage implementation of this policy document for our common good.’’ 
 
During the event, the Director General/CEO of NBMA, Dr. Rufus Ebegba said the determination and commitment of the Federal Government to secure the country has placed Nigeria among community of nations working assiduously to overcome bio-threats.

“Today, we proudly provide for ourselves a national biosecurity policy document, which is in line with stipulation of the NBMA Act as amended.” 

Ebegba also ascribed the feat to the diligence of the staff and the continuous support the agency gets from various organisations from within and outside Nigeria.

The representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Rex Mpazanye in a goodwill message rated Nigerian Biosafety system the best so far on the African continent as he encouraged the national body to keep up the momentum. 

‘’The WHO is ever ready to continue supporting NBMA in achieving its regulatory mandate.”  

In the same vein, the acting High Commissioner of the Canadian embassy, Mr. Kevin Tokar stated that the long relationship between Nigeria and Canada remains sustained as Canada had contributed so much in the efforts to fight COVID-19 pandemic.