The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has disposed of 57 cartons of unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds weighing about 950kg, in line with its mandate to enforce Nigeria’s biosafety laws.

The disposal was done on Thursday in Auta Balefi in the Kari Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where the agency’s dump site is situated.

The Director-General (DG) of NBMA, Fatima Zuntu, said that the disposal followed intelligence gathering, surveillance, compliance monitoring and investigations by the agency.

Ms Zuntu said investigations showed that the transgenic hybrid cotton seeds were traced to Fiyah Global Concept Limited.

The company introduced and handled the transgenic hybrid cotton seeds without the regulatory approvals of the NBMA Act and relevant regulations governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

She described the case as a regulatory compliance breach and not a safety incident, stressing that the unauthorised activities did not pose any threat to human or animal health, or the environment.

The director-general said that the agency also imposed administrative sanctions on the company in accordance with the law.

According to her, the action underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring strict compliance with biosafety regulations.

She said no individual, institution or organisation was above the law, adding that the agency would continue to enforce biosafety regulations without fear or favour.

Ms Zuntu reaffirmed NBMA’s support for safe research, innovation and the application of modern biotechnology, provided such activities complied with all regulatory requirements.

She urged researchers, seed companies, institutions, developers and other operators involved in biotechnology to obtain the necessary approvals before undertaking any activity involving GMOs in the country.

The DG also called on journalists and media organisations to report biosafety issues accurately and responsibly to enhance public understanding and prevent misinformation.

She reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that biotechnology activities in Nigeria met the highest standards of safety, accountability, transparency and public interest.

Ms Zuntu commended the support of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) for their collaboration in the successful disposal exercise.

She said the agency would continue to work with relevant government institutions and stakeholders to protect public health, preserve the environment and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s biosafety regulatory system.

Also, Registrar, EHCON, Yakubu Baba, described the exercise as a proactive measure aimed at curbing the illegal importation of genetically modified (GM) seeds and other uncertified seeds into Nigeria.

Mr Baba added that the exercise was intended to promote a healthier and safer environment for Nigerians. 

(NAN)