Nigeria, Senegal Deepen Biosafety Cooperation as NBMA Hosts High-level study visit.

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has strengthened regional collaboration in biotechnology governance by hosting a high-level delegation from the Senegalese National Biosafety Agency on a study tour in Abuja. The visit marks a significant step toward deeper West African cooperation on biosafety regulation, innovation oversight, and shared scientific progress.

Welcoming the delegation, NBMA Director-General/CEO, Bello Bawa-Bwari, described the engagement as both a strategic partnership and a testament to Africa’s growing leadership in biotechnology governance. He commended Senegal for selecting Nigeria as a learning partner at a time when the continent is taking bold steps toward scientific and technological advancement.

Bawa-Bwari highlighted NBMA’s ongoing reforms, noting that the agency has reviewed its operations and redesigned its regulatory approach to better respond to emerging biotechnologies. He emphasized that biotechnology is now a global economic driver, and African nations must fully engage while safeguarding public health, agriculture, and the environment. Reaffirming the core mandate of both agencies, the DG stressed the importance of strong regulatory systems in preventing unethical scientific practices. “The essence of biosafety agencies—both in Nigeria and Senegal—is to ensure that no rogue actor compromises the integrity of our scientific and regulatory space,” he said.

He also shared Nigeria’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in maize production through modern biotechnology, explaining that regional partnerships open pathways to global learning and help African-developed solutions meet international standards. Bawa-Bwari described the collaboration as a bold and forward-looking step for Africa, expressing confidence that such partnerships will reduce dependence on external institutions and place the continent firmly on the path of scientific self-reliance.

The Executive Director of Senegal’s National Biosafety Authority Mr Aliou NDIAYE, commended the NBMA’s exceptional leadership and hospitality, describing Nigeria’s coordination and professionalism as a model for the region. He acknowledged the humility and dedication of staff of the Agency which he says reflects the exemplary management style of DG Bello Bawa-Bwari, whose approach sets a high standard for regional cooperation and administrative diplomacy.

NDIAYE, further emphasized that as modern biotechnologies advance rapidly, African nations must strengthen institutional capacity to fully harness their benefits in agriculture, health, and environmental protection. He acknowledged Nigeria’s significant progress—its strong legal framework, approval of key GM crops, robust risk monitoring systems, and integration of public participation—as valuable lessons that align with ECOWAS biosafety standards. He expressed confidence that the visit will reinforce Senegal’s technical capabilities and lay a solid foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership between the two agencies.

The visit provides a robust platform for mutual learning, where both nations can exchange best practices, strengthen regulatory capacity, and reinforce continental cooperation in biotechnology oversight.