We’re Not Promoters Of GMOs – NBMA DG

BY ETTA MICHAEL BISONG, ABUJA – The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), has absolved itself of all forms of partisanship in the promotion and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), both within and outside Nigeria.

Director General/CEO of the Agency, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, while exonerating his organisation at the Third National Biosafety Conference held in Abuja, said NBMA has maintained focus and commitment in carrying out its regulatory duty since its establishment in 2015.

He said that in spite of the modest achievements, some people have severally accused the Agency of taking-side with the technology which is not true; stressing that the Agency has always stood to defend any action or decision taken.

Ebegba further said; “It is necessary to stand by any decision you take, but can keep silent if you do not believe in it. This Agency is not ready to keep quite especially when there are contentious issues in the country.”

The Director General expressed sadness that Nigerians are yet to fully embrace modern biotechnology practice despite its existence since the last 26 years in the country.

New technologies usually are associated with suspicion, doubt as well as fear, but the Agency’s helmsman assured that scientists and other experts are consciously aware and capable of curbing these menace.

He debunked the recently alleged rumour of certain GM maize that was imported with the intention to be used as an agent of sterility against a section of the country.

His words: “We have enough scientists in this country to determine what is safe and not safe, and we have not approved any genetically modified maize to that effect.”

Ebegba hinted that the NBMA has liaised with other brother agencies to ensure that any maize coming from particular sectors of the world are impounded until the Agency gives approval to them.

He said; “We will ascertain their positions before those products are allowed into the country.”

The essence, he explained, is to ensure that laid down rules and regulations are followed to ascertain their suitability before allowing them into the country.

Chairperson, NGO Coalition, Chike Chikwendu, said Nigerians will not support any further steps to degrade the environment given that it’s already stressed.

According to him, “The Nigerian NGO community, as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian environment space, is therefore desirous to fully understand Nigeria’s position on the use of GMOs and other policy issues on the use of modern biotechnology in the economic development of Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Vice President of the Nigeria Biosafety Association (NBA), Professor Abiodun Denloye, said it would be unfair to talk about biosafety as if it’s a wholesome unwanted technology.

Prof Denloye said; “Every step should be taken on its own merit and we should do away with the attitude of throwing away the baby with the bath water.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Vice President, All Farmers Association (AFA), Chief Daniel Okafor, said Science and technology is very important adding that without it, mankind cannot survive.

He said; “Biotechnology will lead us to another level. Nigeria needs food in abundance and, with agriculture and food science/technology, this can be achieved.”

Participants described the conference, which had as its theme – “Bio-safety: Paving the Way for Safe and Sustainable Environmental Management, Agricultural Development and Economic Recovery,” as a revelation of Nigeria’s success story in the bio-safety and biotechnology sphere.

Many agreed that it is even more unique because this is the first time that the event is bringing together both those that are for and against to discuss how best to deploy the technology to enhance socio-economic growth.