NAN-AE-3
Biosafety
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Mr Dennis Ndolo, the Programme Officer, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), says Biosafety capacity building in Africa is necessary to allay the fears surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).
Ndolo made the assertion in Abuja on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said that the activities of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) generally require prior regulatory approvals, which must be done by highly trained personnel who had carried out Risk Assessments of the products.
“Risk analysis plays a central role in the decision-making process regarding activities with GMOs which is what the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology does.
“ICGEB provides scientific and educational environment of the highest standard and conducts innovative research in life sciences for the benefit of developing countries.
“It strengthens the research capability of its members through training and funding programmes and advisory services and represents a comprehensive approach to promoting biotechnology internationally. “
He said Africans must be dedicated to advanced research and training in molecular biology and biotechnology to hold the prospect of advancing knowledge and applying the latest techniques in different fields of studies.
According to him, these areas include biomedicine, crop improvement, environmental protection and remediation, biopharmaceuticals and biopesticide production.
“This is why ICGEB’s Biosafety Group is out to disseminate as widely as possible significant information related to biosafety issues raised through the use of products derived from modern biotechnology. “
He said this would also “assist member- states in their capacity to identify, regulate, manage and monitor those products within their own countries. “
He said that the ICGEB Biosafety Group was currently implementing a major biosafety capacity-enhancement project for selected countries in sub-saharan Africa (including Nigeria).
“The project is being implemented in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“And its primary focus is to enhance the capacity of African regulators to ensure the full and balanced consideration of biosafety issues in the use of modern biotechnology in agriculture.
“ The project supports the development of more effective approaches to regulate the products of modern biotechnology through the exchange of relevant working experience, “ he added. (NAN)
EPA/MOL/AFA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide
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