NAN-AE-6
Synergy
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Dec. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Rufus Ebegba, says synergy among Nigerians and Biosafety stakeholders is key to the proper analysis and release of safe Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).
Ebegba, who made this known at a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Thursday, said the agency was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to strengthen biosafety system and ensure that GMOs in the country were safe for the citizens and its environment.
“We do not work alone; we are collaborating with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NBDA), the Nigerian Customs, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“Scientists, line government institutions and stakeholders, within and outside the country, to suggest ideas that will assist in the strengthening of our National biosafety system.
“And some international agencies like the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), International Service for the Acquisition of Agric-Biotech Application (ISAAA) among others. “
Ebegba said that in the areas of analysing the risks and safety measures of GMOs, the agency had the capacity and personnel to handle genetically modified foods effectively.
“The interest of Nigerians is paramount and the agency is there to protect it; so the agency is working round the clock and with relevant agencies to keep Nigeria safe,’’ he said.
He stated that the activities of GMOs generally require prior regulatory approvals, which must be done by highly trained personnel on Risk Assessments of the products.
“We must see how we can work together to tackle the risks posed by GMOs and other organisms that may be a biological threat to the health of the people and its environment, ’’ he said.
He, therefore, advised Nigerians to seek for information from the proper agency concerning the issues of GMOs.
“We are looking at science here, as at today, there is no any known or proven negative side effect of Genetically Modified Organisms. This is why I advice the public to get information from the right source, ’’ he said. (NAN)
EPA/MOL/IS
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ismail Abdulaziz
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