The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in Nigeria has expressed its commitment to addressing food insecurity in the country.
Dr. Agnes Asagbra, the Director-General of NBMA, made this announcement on Wednesday, during a public enlightenment program on the Nigeria Biosafety System held in Abuja.
The initiative, which seeks to combat food insecurity in Nigeria, is a collaborative effort involving RSA Global Investment Ltd. and other stakeholders in the biosafety industry.
Dr. Asagbra emphasized the use of biotechnology to tackle issues related to food insecurity, hunger, and environmental concerns in Nigeria.
She pointed out that the NBMA Act and the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety serve as important regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety of biotechnology products.
The agency aims to provide accurate information to the public about biosafety and biotechnology products, as there is often misleading information in circulation.
“We deem it fit to observe our NBMA Act and the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety in general and the place where you can get information about a product is from the manufacturer. We are very much aware that there is misleading information out there.
“Since NBMA is a competent authority on biosafety so it is in the best position to tell the public what biosafety is all about,” the DG said.
Chief Noah McDickson, the Project Manager of RSA Global Investment Ltd., praised the NBMA for its role in advocating policies that protect individuals from harmful biological agents.
He also commended the agency for its efforts to enhance food security in Nigeria by strengthening the capacity of individuals and institutions in the field of biosafety and biosecurity.
The NBMA’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through biotechnology and biosafety measures reflects the importance of ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply for the Nigerian population.