The Director-General /Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Mr. Bello Bawa Bwari has stated explicitly that they are addressing the misinformation, and misleading narratives on modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms,GMOs.

Bwari made the assertion at interaction with journalists in Abuja,
explaining that the media will play a crucial role in public enlightenment and must be adequately informed to report accurately, responsibly, and based on facts and scientific evidence.

His words, “Nigeria comes first before any interest. Our responsibility is to act in the public interest at all times.
We are committed to work diligently, transparently. We will operate open-door policy, and any information required, will be made available within the ambit of the law.”

He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous engagement with stakeholders, noting that public trust remains central to effective biosafety regulation in Nigeria.

According to Bwari, our mandate, vision, and mission is to regulate modern biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and emerging biotechnologies in the country, in order to safeguard human health, animal health, and the environment.

The NBMA boss further explained that they were established to provide a robust legal and institutional framework for the regulation and management of biotechnology, saying ,these measures are critical to supporting safe food production, food security, and food sovereignty.

He therefore noted that modern biotechnology is an advanced and rapidly evolving field of science, which requires strong, science-based oversight to ensure that innovation does not compromise safety.

“We’re not a research institution, but a regulatory agency by law to oversee biosafety and biosecurity in the application of science and technology, and our role is to assess risks, enforce compliance, and ensure that all biotechnology-related activities are in line with national legislation and internationally recognised standards.”

He further stated that the NBMA ensures Nigeria’s full compliance with relevant international protocols and conventions guiding biosafety and biotechnology, particularly in relation to the movement, handling, storage, and use of regulated biological materials.