NBMA DISPOSES OF UNAUTHORIZED TRANSGENIC COTTON SEEDS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING NIGERIANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has carried out the regulatory disposal of 57 cartons of transgenic hybrid cotton seeds weighing approximately 950 kilograms, in line with its statutory mandate to ensure compliance with Nigeria's biosafety laws, regulations, and approved procedures governing modern biotechnology activities. Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NBMA, Dr. Fatima Suleiman Zuntu, stated that the action followed intelligence gathering, surveillance activities, compliance monitoring, and a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Agency. According to the Director-General, investigations established that the transgenic hybrid cotton seeds, traced to Fiyah Global Concept Limited, were introduced and handled without the regulatory approvals and oversight required under the National Biosafety Management Act and applicable regulations governing genetically modified organisms in Nigeria. Dr Zuntu emphasized that the matter constituted a regulatory compliance breach and not a safety incident. “At no point did the unauthorized activities pose a threat to human health, animal health, or the environment. Nevertheless, compliance with established regulatory procedures remains a fundamental requirement for maintaining the integrity, credibility, and effectiveness of Nigeria's biosafety system”. In addition to the disposal exercise, other regulatory sanctions have been imposed on Fiyah Global Concept Limited in accordance with NBMA's administrative processes and the provisions of the law. Dr. Zuntu stated that the Agency's actions were driven solely by its statutory responsibility to protect Nigerians, safeguard biodiversity and the environment, and preserve public confidence in the regulation of modern biotechnology.

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"This exercise sends a clear signal that no individual, institution, or organization is above the law. Regulatory compliance is not optional. The National Biosafety Management Agency will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour whenever violations of biosafety regulations, guidelines, permit conditions, or approval requirements are identified," she said. "NBMA exists to serve and protect Nigerians. Every action taken by the Agency is guided by one overriding objective: the safety, health, wellbeing, and environmental security of our people. We will not compromise these responsibilities for any individual, institution, or commercial interest," she added. While reaffirming the Agency's support for safe modern biotechnology research, innovation, and technological advancement, Dr. Zuntu stressed that such activities must be conducted within the framework of the law. She therefore called on all stakeholders, including researchers, seed companies, institutions, developers, and operators involved in modern biotechnology-related activities, to obtain the necessary approvals and comply fully with all regulatory requirements before undertaking any activity involving genetically modified organisms in Nigeria. The Agency also acknowledged the important role of the media in promoting public understanding of biosafety issues and encouraged journalists and media organizations to report biosafety matters accurately, responsibly, and based on verified facts. Accurate reporting, the Agency noted, is essential to sustaining public confidence and preventing misinformation. The National Biosafety Management Agency remains vigilant, impartial, and unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that all biotechnology activities in Nigeria meet the highest standards of safety, accountability, transparency, and public interest. NBMA will continue to discharge its mandate firmly, fairly, and professionally in order to protect human health, preserve the environment and biodiversity, and ensure that the benefits of modern biotechnology are realized safely and responsibly for the benefit of all Nigerians. NBMA commends the support and collaboration of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA) in the successful implementation of the exercise. The Agency remains committed to working closely with relevant government institutions and stakeholders to protect public health, safeguard the environment, and strengthen confidence in Nigeria's biosafety regulatory system.