‘No GMOs Food will be in the Market Without Approval’

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has said it was established to protect the health of Nigerians and not a promoter of modern technology or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

The agency also said it has yet to approve the sale of GM cowpeas developed in the country, and before any GM product is allowed in the market, it has to get OK approval from it.

The NBMA Director General, Dr Rufus Ebegba, who stated this at the launch of Science Café Nigeria in Abuja yesterday, added that there is still serious controversy around the safety or otherwise of GMOs and the agency is on the side of safety.

“Consider the case of modern biotechnology and its products. Sadly, some activists have taken to misinforming and misrepresenting issues, and inciting the people against government agencies like NBMA. NBMA is here to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment and not a promoter of modern biotechnology or GMOs”, he said.

Safe science is a foundation for national development and if this foundation is not properly communicated, he said, the nation may not reap the desired benefits.

“Communicating safe science appropriately will make Nigerians understand and appreciate the role science can play in their daily lives especially in agricultural development and industrial growth”, he said.

By Zakariyya Adaramola 
Daily Trust News