FG assures Nigerians of GMOs’ safety

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians kit will ensure that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) do not affect the country’s rich biodiversity, which includes about 7,895 plant species and 22,000 vertebrate and invertebrate species.

It also stated that the law safeguarding human health from potential risks associated with GMOs, like food safety, has been taken care of by regulating modern biotechnology and the law that supports agricultural modernisation and others.

The Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency, Dr. Agnes Y. Asagbra, who gave the assurance while addressing journalists in Abuja, to allay fear of the citizens, said modern biotechnology began in Nigeria 21 years ago, and now it is accepted.
 
Asagbra stated: “We have been proactive in the field of biosafety, recognising early on the potential of the innovation and the need for a robust regulatory framework. We will ensure the safe handling, transportation and use of living-modified organisms (LMOs).

“Biosafety is not just a policy; it is a commitment to safeguarding our nation’s health, biodiversity, and environment. We will monitor technological advancement, particularly in agriculture that are beneficial and pose no harm to people or our land.”

According to her, Nigeria’s biosafety processes are at par with, if not ahead of those in other African countries like Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa, adding that the country received international recognition for her robust regulatory framework, taking also into account risks to human health.