The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has destroyed 57 cartons of unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds weighing approximately 950 kilograms as part of its efforts to enforce Nigeria’s biosafety regulations.
The destruction exercise took place on Thursday at the agency’s designated disposal site in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the NBMA, Dr Fatima Zuntu, said the action followed extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, compliance monitoring and investigations carried out by the agency.
According to her, the investigation traced the unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds to Fiyah Global Concept Limited.
She explained that the company imported and handled the genetically modified cotton seeds without securing the required approvals under the NBMA Act and other regulations governing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Zuntu clarified that the incident constituted a breach of regulatory compliance rather than a safety concern, noting that the unauthorised seeds did not pose any risk to human health, animal health or the environment.
She disclosed that the agency had imposed administrative sanctions on the company in line with the provisions of the law.
According to the NBMA boss, the enforcement action demonstrates the agency’s resolve to protect Nigerians, preserve biodiversity and ensure strict adherence to the country’s biosafety framework.
She stressed that no individual, institution or corporate organisation is exempt from compliance with the law, adding that the agency would continue to enforce biosafety regulations impartially.
Zuntu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting scientific research, innovation and the responsible use of modern biotechnology, provided all activities comply with established regulatory requirements.
She advised researchers, seed companies, academic institutions, developers and other biotechnology stakeholders to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals before engaging in any activity involving genetically modified organisms in Nigeria.
The director-general also appealed to journalists and media organisations to report biosafety-related issues accurately and responsibly in order to promote public understanding and discourage misinformation.
She further reaffirmed the agency’s determination to ensure that biotechnology practices in Nigeria continue to meet the highest standards of safety, transparency, accountability and public interest.
Zuntu also acknowledged the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) for its collaboration and support in carrying out the disposal exercise successfully.
She added that the agency would continue working closely with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders to safeguard public health, protect the environment and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s biosafety regulatory framework.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr Yakubu Baba, described the destruction exercise as a proactive step aimed at preventing the illegal importation of genetically modified and other uncertified seeds into the country.
Dr Yakubu added that the initiative was designed to promote a healthier and safer environment for all Nigerians.
