The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, has cautioned superstores operators against the stocking of unapproved genetically modified products on their shelves.
The DG/CEO, who said this during a meeting with superstore operators in Abuja on Friday, November 24, 2023, stated that the agency would not hesitate to sanction any superstore that violates the act as there are set down sanctions for any individual or organisation found to have contravened the provisions of the NBMA 2015 as amended.
She said: “This meeting is also very important as it serves as an opportunity for me to restate the agency’s mandate of regulating genetically modified products in the country.
“In a world driven by innovation and progress, genetically modified products have become an integral part of our global food supply chain. As representatives of superstores, you play a crucial role in ensuring that the products on your shelves meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Today, I would like to shed light on the importance of biosafety in the importation of genetically modified products and how we can work together to navigate this landscape responsibly.
“Biosafety is not merely a regulatory hurdle; it is a commitment to the well-being of our citizens and the environment. Genetically modified products have the potential to address global challenges such as food security, crop resilience, and nutritional enhancement. However, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these advancements are harnessed safely and responsibly.
“The NBMA Act 2015 as amended under section 22 states that ‘no person, institution or body shall import, export, transit, carry out the contained use, confined field trial, multi-locational trial without the approval or permit of the Agency’. Part 11, Section 35 to Section 40 of the Act also prescribes penalties for contravention of the law. These penalties include fines and jail terms or both for any person or body that is found wanting. Hence, I am here to tell you today that ignorance of the law is no excuse, and the agency will not hesitate to wield the big stick of penalties against any establishment that contravenes the law.
“The Act under Section 39 also empowers the agency to inspect, monitor and enforce its mandate and I will advise you all to get a copy of the act which is available on our website to acquaint yourselves with its provisions, so no one is found wanting.
“NBMA has established robust regulations to govern the importation and handling of genetically modified products. These regulations are not meant to stifle progress but rather to create a framework that fosters responsible innovation. By adhering to these guidelines, we can guarantee the safety of our citizens and the environment while embracing the benefits that biotechnology brings.
“I want to emphasise the importance of transparency in the supply chain and that is why I have decided to meet with you all today. Superstores, as key stakeholders, must maintain open lines of communication with suppliers and consumers. Providing accurate information about the origin, composition, and safety assessments of genetically modified products empowers consumers to make informed choices and builds trust in our shared commitment to biosafety.”
She added that, in today’s interconnected world, collaboration is the cornerstone of progress.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency is here to work hand-in-hand with superstores, providing support, guidance, and expertise to ensure that the importation of genetically modified products aligns with the highest standards of biosafety,” she said.
The superstore operators who were present at the meeting pledged to continue to abide by the regulations guiding importation of GM products and promised to continue to collaborate with the agency to ensure that only approved GM products are stocked for the benefit of Nigerians.
