By Obiabin Onukwugha
The National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, has restated its commitment to ensuring the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops in Nigeria through a comprehensive Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) framework.
The Director General/CEO of NBMA, Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, made the commitment at a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, February 12 where the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for PRM of GM crops, particularly TELA Maize were discussed.
Speaking, Asagbra highlighted the agency’s regulatory responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of monitoring GM crops post-commercialization.
She said: “With every innovation comes responsible regulation. We must ensure that these crops, now planted by farmers nationwide, yield the intended results while maintaining safety for human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Post-release monitoring is not just a regulatory requirement but a scientific and ethical obligation.”
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Also, the Acting Director of Biosafety Enforcement and Operations, Mrs. Hauwa Tahir, outlined the objectives of the meeting, which is to understand the experiences of farmers, assess the performance of GM crops, and identify any challenges post-commercialization.
“The agency seeks to understand the experiences of farmers, assess the performance of GM crops, and identify any challenges post-commercialization. This process is critical in ensuring the long-term safety and effectiveness of GM technology in our agricultural sector,” she said.
A statement by the NBMAHead Information and Communications, Gloria Ogbaki, mentioned that the meeting was aimed at providing a platform for stakeholders, experts, and industry representatives to discuss the draft SOPs and propose enhancements to strengthen the PRM framework.
The agency reaffirmed its open-door policy, encouraging collaboration and input from all stakeholders to ensure a robust monitoring system.
The meeting also acknowledged the efforts of key stakeholders, including regulatory officials, researchers and experts in shaping.
