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Biosafety Law, Critical in Ensuring Food Security
The Director-general/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra has said that the Biosafety law is critical on the quest for Nigeria to achieve food security. The Director-General said this while briefing journalists on the state of Biosafety in Nigeria in her office today 16th April 2024 Dr Asagbra said the Biosafety law which the government has thought wise to have is an economic enabler and very crucial in other to ensure Environmental Protection, Public Health, Economic Development and Scientific Advancement as It provides a framework for ethical scientific research and innovation in biotechnology, fostering advancements while ensuring safety and ethical considerations.
“Biosafety is not just a policy; it’s a commitment to safeguarding our nation’s health, biodiversity, and environment. In regulating the activities of modern biotechnology, biosafety ensures that any technological advancements, particularly in agriculture, are beneficial and pose no harm to our people or our land”. Dr Asagbra also talked about the Tela maize stating that it is “a variety that has been rigorously evaluated through risk assessments and regulatory processes before its approval. It’s crucial to note that though it has been commercialized, TELA Maize has not yet been launched; it is not available in the market. This demonstrates our commitment to thorough scrutiny and due diligence.” She noted that the crops that have been approved were critically evaluated by Nigerian scientists who are professionals with vast experience and expertise in their fields. Their assessments are meticulous, ensuring that only safe and beneficial technologies reach our farmers and consumers.
“The establishment of the NBMA has led to the development of biosafety frameworks of international standards, including a GMO detection and analysis laboratory, national biosafety policies, and regulatory instruments. These measures have positioned Nigeria as a leader in biosafety regulation in Africa, influencing other countries’ biosafety practices”. “Nigeria’s biosafety processes are on par with, if not ahead of, those in other African countries like Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Our agency has received international recognition for its robust regulatory framework, which serves as a model for biosafety and biotechnology regulation across the continent.”
“The Biosafety Law in Nigeria is more than just legislation; it’s a commitment to the nation’s sustainable future. It ensures that as Nigeria harnesses the benefits of modern biotechnology, it does so responsibly, with the utmost regard for the health of its people and the environment.” Dr Agnes called on Nigerians to embrace the advancements in safe modern biotechnology with an informed perspective. “Let us trust in the rigorous processes that have been established to protect us all. Together, we can move towards a future where food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth go hand in hand’ she said.
