In response to recent public concerns regarding Genetically Modified (GM) foods, a pivotal meeting was convened by the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, bringing together the Director-General/CEO of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra and The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof Mojisola Adeyeye.
The Honourable Minister Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of consistent communication among government agencies to alleviate public fears. He noted the need for a collaborative approach to address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety. Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, DG of NBMA, appreciated the honourable minister for the meeting and highlighted the historical collaboration between NBMA and NAFDAC, including a Memorandum of Understanding established in 2017. She underscored that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC's involvement, calling for enhanced cooperative efforts to ensure food safety.
In response, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, DG of NAFDAC, stated that her previous remarks on GM foods were misunderstood, emphasizing NAFDAC's commitment to safety. She reaffirmed the agency's rigorous safety standards, stating that no GM foods will be approved without thorough scientific safety assessments.
Key Resolutions from the meeting include:
The meeting which was aimed to reinforce collaboration between the two agencies to ensure a unified message on food safety, marks a significant step towards unified governance in food safety and public health in Nigeria. Both agencies remain committed to ensuring that scientific evidence guides their actions, fostering public trust in food safety regulations. Both DGs said that by working together, “we reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection and safeguarding the health of the nation”.
Signed:
NBMA Issues Warning Against False Employment Claims on Unofficial Websites
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is alerting the public of the proliferation of fake employment sites fraudulently claiming to be associated with the agency. The NBMA understands the concerns and frustration these misleading websites can cause, and wishes to clarify that it has no association with any unauthorized employment platforms.
NBMA is the regulatory body responsible for the oversight, regulation, and management of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. We take our responsibilities seriously and are committed to ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in all our operations, including the recruitment and employment process.
However, it has come to our attention that several unofficial websites and online platforms are falsely claiming to be affiliated with the NBMA and misleading job seekers by advertising false employment opportunities. These impostors often request personal information and even payment from unsuspecting individuals in exchange for job offers, creating significant distress and financial losses.
The NBMA wants to emphasize that it does not advertise vacancies or accept job applications through any non-official channels, including external websites or social media platforms. All employment opportunities are published according to the federal government laid down procedure through the civil service commission. Any other sources claiming to represent the NBMA should be treated with caution and reported immediately.
Kindly note that the NBMA will continue to provide authentic and transparent information regarding employment opportunities solely through our official channels.