By Barbara Nwaiwu
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has disposed 57 cartons of unauthorized transgenic hybrid cotton seeds as part of efforts to enforce Nigeria’s biosafety regulations.
The illegal seeds weighing about 950 kilograms were crushed on Thursday at the agency’s designated dump site in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the exercise, the agency’s Director General, Dr. Fatima Zuntu, said the destruction followed intelligence gathering, surveillance, compliance monitoring and investigations conducted by the agency.
She disclosed that investigations traced the unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds to Fiyah Global Concept Limited, which introduced and handled the seeds without obtaining the required approvals under the NBMA Act and other regulations governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Zuntu described the incident as a regulatory compliance breach rather than a safety issue, stressing that the unauthorised seeds did not pose any threat to human or animal health or the environment.
She said the agency had also imposed administrative sanctions on the company in accordance with the law.
According to her, the enforcement action reflects NBMA’s commitment to protecting Nigerians, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring strict compliance with biosafety regulations.
“No individual, institution or organisation is above the law. The agency will continue to enforce biosafety regulations without fear or favour,” she said.
Zuntu reaffirmed the agency’s support for research, innovation and the safe application of modern biotechnology, provided all activities complied with established regulatory requirements.
She urged researchers, seed companies, institutions, developers and other operators involved in biotechnology to obtain the necessary approvals before carrying out any activity involving genetically modified organisms in the country.
She also called on journalists and media organisations to report biosafety issues accurately and responsibly to improve public understanding and prevent misinformation.
She reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that biotechnology activities in Nigeria meet the highest standards of safety, accountability, transparency and public interest.
Zuntu commended the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) for its collaboration during the disposal exercise, adding that the agency would continue working with relevant government institutions and stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s biosafety regulatory system.
Also speaking, the Registrar of EHCON, Dr. Yakubu Baba, described the exercise as a proactive measure aimed at curbing the illegal importation of genetically modified and uncertified seeds into Nigeria.
He said the action was necessary to promote a healthier and safer environment for all Nigerians.
