NBMA, NAFDAC to address GMO safety concerns

In a move to address public concerns about Genetically Modified foods, the National Biosafety Management Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have pledged to strengthen their collaboration on food safety in Nigeria.

The joint meeting, convened by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, brought together the Director-General of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, and the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Health on Monday via X, Alausa emphasised the need for consistent communication among government agencies.

“He said that there was need for a collaborative approach to properly address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety,” the statement said.

Also speaking, Asagbra highlighted the existing cooperation between the agencies.

“She confirmed that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement, and stressed the agency’s commitment to all cooperative efforts to promote food safety,” the statement added.

Subsequently, Adeyeye clarified NAFDAC’s stance on GM foods, explaining that previous remarks had been taken out of context.

The statement said, “On her part, DG @NafdacAgency said that while previous remarks on GM foods had been quoted out of context, thorough scientific research and safety assessments remained a key requirement for approving GM foods. Prof Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerian consumers.”

Accordingly, the meeting resulted in several key resolutions, including establishing a Technical Working Group between NBMA and NAFDAC; Developing Terms of Reference for the TWG and setting up a secretariat; Referring applicants to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC; Continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labelling; Enhancing capacity building and training exchanges and Joint efforts in IT and Global Listing initiatives.

“Consequently, the public is hereby invited to note that both agencies remain committed to working together in ensuring that scientific evidence guides their actions as they continue to build public trust in the nation’s food safety regulations and in safeguarding the health of Nigerians,” the statement said.