By George George Idowu
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have both agreed that no Genetically Modified (GM) foods will be approved without proper scientific safety checks to back it up.
The resolution came on Monday when the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa convened a meeting between the Directors of the two agencies (NBMA), Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, and (NAFDAC) Prof Mojisola Adeyeye in Abuja.
Both DGs said that by working together, “we reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection and safeguarding the health of the nation”.
Among other understanding reached, they include: Establishing a Technical Working Group (TWG) between NBMA and NAFDAC, Developing Terms of Reference for the TWG and setting up a secretariat, referring applicants to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC, Continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labeling, Enhancing capacity building and training exchanges and Joint efforts in IT and Global Listing initiatives.