We’ll not allow importation of GMOs `not good` for Nigeria, says Bio-safety agency

The National Bio-safety Management Agency (NBMA) says it will not allow the importation of Genetically Modified Organisms that are not good for the country.

The Director-General of the agency, Mr Rufus Ebegba, said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja.
Ebegba, who said no citizen or farmer would be forced to consume or plant genetically modified crops, gave the assurance that the agency would ensure the effective regulation of modern bio-technology for the benefit of Nigerians.
``No genetically modified organism that is not good for Nigeria will be allowed into this country either from the international arena or from our institutions, industries or companies that will be producing that.
``I want to assure you that the National Bio-safety Management Agency is poised to effectively regulate modern biotechnology for the benefit of Nigerians and to allay the fears of members of the public and those, who wish to consume GMOs.
``It should be clear that no one will be forced to use or consume Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. GMOs will be labelled.
``The NBMA will not compromise on its mandate to ensure holistic bio-safety in Nigeria.
``No individuals or groups can protect Nigerians more than the government.’’
According to him, there are no genetically modified organisms officially ready for consumption.
He said that only GMOs confined for field trials were available at the moment.
He said that the agency was working closely with the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NAFDAC, and the Ministry of Justice to ensure that GMOs were safe for use
Ebegba said that government embraced the technology to create an avenue for Nigerian scientists to make breakthrough in the areas of human health, environmental sustainability and food security in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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