By Faridat Salifu
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), hosted a one-day training workshop at the Bercelona Hotel in Abuja On Tuesday.
The event, aimed at news editors and reporters, focused on enhancing biosafety communication.
The workshop sought to deepen participants’ understanding of NBMA’s role in regulating modern biotechnology, particularly in agriculture.
It aimed to equip media professionals with the skills to accurately communicate complex biosafety topics to the public, promote scientific literacy, and counteract non-science-based narratives about agricultural biotechnology.
The training also aimed to foster a network of informed journalists who can contribute to national dialogues on biosafety and biotechnology.
In her welcome address, Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, Director General/CEO of NBMA, provided an overview of the agency’s mandate.
She emphasized NBMA’s responsibility for providing regulatory frameworks and safety measures for modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.
She highlighted the agency’s vision to become a global reference institution for safe biotechnology practices and its mission to promote biosafety through effective measures for biosecurity.
She also addressed the misinformation surrounding GMOs, noting that myths and misconceptions have clouded public understanding.
She stressed the importance of educating the public about the benefits of modern biotechnology, including its potential to enhance crop resilience to pests, drought, and salinity, thus contributing to food security.
During her presentation,she also acknowledged that no technology is without risk, including biotechnology.
She explained that NBMA is tasked with minimizing these risks to human health, animal health, and biodiversity, ensuring the safe use of biotechnology in Nigeria.
Agricultural Counselor Christopher Bielecki from the USDA emphasized the importance of such training in advancing agricultural biotechnology and biosafety regulations.
He noted the positive feedback from a previous workshop in Lagos and highlighted the USDA’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving its biotechnology goals.
Bielecki reiterated the USDA’s objective to promote agricultural trade and support the development of Nigeria’s agricultural systems through various training programs and events.
Chris Bielecki, representing the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, discussed the agency’s role in promoting agricultural trade and supporting local agricultural development through fellowships, exchanges, and training programs.
He expressed the belief that advancements in agricultural biotechnology, coupled with a transparent regulatory framework, could empower farmers and address food insecurity in Nigeria.
The workshop also featured a discussion led by Alex Abutu on the misconceptions surrounding GMOs and the rapid dissemination of false information.
Abutu urged media professionals to focus on factual reporting and avoid biases when covering biotechnology topics.
The event concluded with speakers quoting Prof. Calestous Juma from Harvard University, who highlighted different approaches to product safety across various countries.
The workshop ended with the NBMA Director closing remarks, reaffirming the safety of GMO crops.
She emphasized that GMOs undergo rigorous testing and reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring their continued safety.
The workshop underscored the need for accurate and science-based communication about biotechnology and biosafety, aiming to build a well-informed network of journalists and opinion influencers.
