By Faridat Salifu
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has hit back at the critics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), describing them as alarmists.
The agency has recently been hit by a barrage of criticisms over its approval of GMOs.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, at the weekend, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, described the criticisms as baseless and designed to spread fear and misinformation.
Reassuring Nigerians that their safety remains the agency’s top priority, Asagbra argued that every GMO approved by the NBMA undergoes rigorous scientific evaluations and regulatory scrutiny to ensure it meets global safety standards.
“The NBMA was established to protect Nigerians, the environment, and our biodiversity from potential harm,” the DG noted, saying, “Without our oversight, Nigeria could become a dumping ground for unregulated and potentially harmful GMOs.”
Dr.Agnes urged critics to back their claims with verifiable scientific evidence, noting that the NBMA relies on internationally recognized protocols to guide its decisions.
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The agency, she said, plays a critical role in fostering safe innovation that contributes to food security and sustainable agriculture.
Responding to ongoing investigations into GMOs by the House of Representatives, Dr. Asagbra pledged the NBMA’s full cooperation and transparency.
“We invite stakeholders to review our processes and the evaluations each GMO product undergoes before approval,” she challenged, maintaining, “Our procedures meet global standards and are in the best interest of Nigerians.”
The Director General further highlighted the importance of biotechnology in addressing food security challenges and combating climate change.
“As a nation, we stand at a crossroads where we must choose between progress and fear,” Asagbra stated, saying, “Biotechnology offers us tools to secure our future, and the NBMA is committed to protecting and improving lives through its regulatory diligence.”
Dr. Agnes Asagbra called on Nigerians to engage with the NBMA constructively, share their observations, and trust in the agency’s commitment to safety.
The DG assured the public that the agency remains dedicated to scientific literacy, transparency, and safeguarding the nation’s health and environment.
She urged all stakeholders to rely on credible scientific evidence in discussions about GMOs, reaffirming its resolve to ensure Nigeria benefits from biotechnology while maintaining the highest safety standards
