The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reiterated its commitment to strict regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria, warning that any violators of the law will be sanctioned.
Mrs. Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Public Relations at the agency, stated this in an interview with the press on Monday in Abuja.
She said the agency’s attention had been drawn to ongoing debates on the introduction of GMOs in the country and assured the public that Nigeria’s biosafety system was robust and reliable.
“No GMO enters or is used in Nigeria without passing through the Agency’s strict, science-based approval process.
“Any importer or producer found to contravene the NBMA Act will face appropriate sanctions, as the Agency will not hesitate to enforce the law to protect Nigerians, the environment and biodiversity,” she said.
Ogbaki explained that NBMA, established under the NBMA Act of 2015 (as amended in 2019), is mandated to regulate the safe use of modern biotechnology and its products.
According to her, before any GMO can be imported, produced or commercialised in Nigeria, a detailed application must be submitted with scientific data, risk assessments and safety studies.
“Every application undergoes rigorous screening to ensure documents are complete and accurate.
In keeping with our transparency mandate, the Agency publishes each application in at least two national newspapers and deposits copies at strategic locations for public review.
“This 21-day notice allows Nigerians and stakeholders to raise concerns or provide feedback, after which independent experts are brought into the process,” she said.
She noted that the review process is carried out by a National Biosafety Committee and a Technical Sub-Committee, made up of scientists from universities, research institutes, professional bodies and relevant government agencies.
“Decisions are made strictly on science. Only GMOs proven to be as safe as their conventional counterparts are approved.
“Where approvals are granted, they are issued under strict conditions, with post-release monitoring and regular inspections to ensure compliance,” she said.
Ogbaki added that quarterly surveillance is conducted, while breaches attract sanctions, including seizure, destruction or repatriation of unauthorised GMOs.
She stressed that NBMA aligns its processes with global best practices, including standards set by the FAO, Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
“Consumer rights are protected. Labelling of GMOs is mandatory by law to safeguard Nigerians’ freedom of choice.
“Nigeria’s biosafety framework has been recognised across Africa and has served as a model for other countries.
“NBMA assures Nigerians that no GMO is allowed into Nigeria without passing through the world’s most stringent regulatory processes.
Our duty is to protect Nigerians, and we will continue to discharge this mandate with transparency, firmness and scientific integrity,” she said.
