NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence Levelled by NGOs

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Yemisi Asagbra, has debunked some allegations levelled against the agency by some non governmental organisations (NGOs) concerning negligence and compromise.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Asagbra said: “The negative statements circulating are misleading and lack credible scientific backing. The agency asks these organisations to present verifiable scientific evidence for their claims and we rely on sound scientific research and internationally recognized protocols to make informed decisions. It is part of the Cartagena Protocol with over 180 parties, our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment. It will not compromise on this as it is an agency of integrity.

She added that: “The agency is transparent and accountable in its operations. It invites review of its processes and rigorous evaluations of GMO products. We are confident in our procedures that it meets global standards and it is a leader in effective regulation in Africa.”

On the source of the allegations, she said “over the years they have been advocating  to have their presence in the  board where all these products coming will be thoroughly Investigated, but it hasn’t been given. Most times we rely on the information given by Nigeria Custom Service to furnish them with needed information, which most times is not always easy if they have other things to do.

Head, Planning, Research and Statistics National Biosafety Management Agency, Mrs. Bello Scholastica, said the agency is concerned about safety to health and safety to the environment.

She further reiterated that what NBMA stands for is to establish first regulation from identification of the gene of interest, “of what you are interested in, from then till commercialisation, and even after commercialisation, they still follow suit to make sure that the approvals they gave hasn’t caused any harm, or those that were given approval to that they stay put to what they were asked to do.”

She further explained that the agency has put in  effort to promote environmental conservation and biosafety in Nigeria.