The National Biosafety Management Agency is actively working to combat misinformation and myths surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms in Nigeria.
Dr. Agnes Asagbra, the Director-General/CEO, stressed the importance of accurate communication on biotechnology and biosafety issues during a workshop in Abuja.
GMOs are organisms with altered genetic materials that offer benefits such as pest resistance and improved nutrition. Despite controversy, they have shown success in agriculture and medical research.
Asagbra highlighted the need to educate the public to dispel misconceptions about GMOs and emphasized the role of biotechnology in achieving food security in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the risks associated with biotechnology, she assured that the NBMA is dedicated to ensuring its safe use in the country.
“There is nothing in the world that is zero risk. Everything has risks,” she remarked,
He likened the management of biotechnology risks to that of other sectors like telecoms and healthcare, where potential dangers are mitigated to safeguard the public.
At the event, Christopher Bielecki, Agricultural Counselor at the USDA, made the following remarks:
“We believe advancements in agricultural biotechnology, coupled with a science-based, transparent, and timely regulatory framework, can give farmers more tools to produce food, which will help not just drive economic empowerment for farmers and rural communities, but also reduce food insecurity in Nigeria.”
The training is a key component of Nigeria’s overall strategy to accomplish its objectives in biotechnology and biosafety.
