Bio-safety agency to release genetically modified seeds preferred by farmers


 The National Bio-safety Management Agency (NBMA) has assured Nigerians of its plan to release varieties of Genetically Modified seeds preferred by farmers in the country.
The Director General of the agency, Mr Rufus Ebegba, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
Ebegba, who was reacting to the rejection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) by some non-governmental organisations, said the agency would ensure that only economically viable GMOs were released in Nigerian markets.
He said the agency was currently reviewing applications for the release of genetically modified cotton in the country.
``For the GM cotton, we are still reviewing the application.
``We will look at the GMs (genetically Modified organisms) that are Nigerian farmer desired varieties.
``Secondly, we also look at the content to ensure that it does not have any toxic material or anything that can cause allergy; we also look at the likely environmental impacts.
``When you are looking at environmental impact in bio-safety of genetically modified organisms, we are looking at the issue of invasiveness, unintentional effects.
``These matters, we will look at them critically.
``Nigerian should be assured that we will do the best to ensure that we do not do anything outside the law and also that we do not do anything that is injurious to the environment and their health.’’
The DG said the agency was also working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the issue of bio-safety was properly addressed.
According to him, there are GMOs that are developed for disease resistance, herbicides tolerance, pests, nutritional enhancement and some that have been developed to address critical environmental issues like drought.
Ebegba assured that the agency was adequately prepared to ensure that all applications were properly reviewed in accordance with the Act establishing it.
``We have said it times without number that we have GM detection, analysis laboratory and we have trained our staff that have the capacity to analyse such genetically modified organisms.
``Even some of the equipment we have can detect the smallest material of insert apart from the original content of any living system.
``So, Nigerian should be rest assured that any genetically modified organisms in this country will be properly analysed because we have a lab.
``Nigeria is well prepared and adequately fortified with right personnel and also equipment to ensure that issues of GMOs are properly addressed.’’
Ebegba said that the agency would always take decisions that would help strengthen the economy and safeguard human health and the environment.

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