NBMA well equipped to carry out Biosafety regulatory – Minister
NAN-AE-8
Personnel
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Nov.10, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, says the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is well equipped to carry out risk assessments on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) currently under trial in the country.
Mohammed made the assertion during her speech at the 2nd edition of the Annual National Conference of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) on Thursday in Abuja.
She said that the agency has capable Biosafety regulatory personnel and was well positioned to carry out risk assessments on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) currently under trial in the country.
“NBMA has personnel who are trained within and outside the country to effectively carry out its regulatory functions and also well equipped laboratory to detect any smallest genes in GMOs.
“Nigerians should be rest assured of the protection of their health and the environment by the agency on matters concerning GMOs.
“We are working in partnership with relevant bodies in line with the United Nations Convention to protect the environment and these partnerships are important if we are to succeed in ensuring food security.’’
She, however, said all Nigerians to support the government in its effort to rejuvenate the economy and free its people from poverty.
“Nigerians should support NBMA to enable us benefit maximally from the practice of safe modern Biotechnology,’’ she said.
Dr Rufus Ebegba corroborated the Minister, saying NBMA was established in conformity with national and international laws, procedures and rules that govern the safe adoption of modern biotechnology practice and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
“This is with a view to preventing any adverse effect on human health, animals, plants and environment and Biosafety regulation of modern biotechnology and GMOs is very crucial for safety assurance and confidence building.
“The NBMA Act 2015 is the only safe value for the adoption of modern biotechnology and the deployment and use of GMOs for socio-economic development in Nigeria.
“And the development of human and infrastructural capacities had been pursued vigorously by the agency, seeing it to be critical to safe modern biotechnology development in Nigeria,’’ he said.
The DG added that the presence of National Biosafety Management Act and the National Biosafety Management Agency were assuring enough.
“This is therefore not the time to get bogged down with fears, inconsistencies and lethargy and Nigeria cannot afford to stand aloof or be left behind in this fast growing world,’’ he said. (NAN)
EPA/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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