By Bisola Adeyemo
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in collaboration with African Biosafety Network Enterprise (ABNE) have enlightened Nigerians on the use of chemicals and disinfectants which have had negative impact on the environment.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Director General, NBMA, Dr Rufus Ebegba, during a workshop in Ikeja on theme “Sensitisation Workshop on GMO Safety and Regulation in Nigeria”.
Dr Ebegba stated that there had been lots of miscommunication in the public domain regarding the state of biosafety in the country.
He said, “Since coming into existence, the NBMA has put in place regulations, guidelines and policies to ensure that the products of modern technology (GMOs) can be deployed safely in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, represented by Mr Mutiu Bamidele, said it is a good development for NBMA to put up a workshop together.
In the past two years, there has been pandemic and a workshop like this is key for safety, Environews reported.
“There has been use of chemicals and disinfectants which have had negative impact on the environment so it is important that stakeholders are educated on GMO.
“The is need to be reminded and assured that the nation is not folding its hands but ensuring safety of Nigerians,” he said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Abisola Olusanya, who was represented by Mr Saba Gbolahan, also said that biosafety to agriculture was of great returns.