ABUJA – A group of anti-Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) has challenged the National Biosafety Management Agency(NBMA), to publish its risk assessment report of all GMO crops approved by the Agency.
Mrs. Maryam Bassey, Health of Mother Earth Foundation(HOMEF), who gave the challenge in Abuja at a media symposium on addressing global and local concerns on GMOs, accused NBMA of compromising her statutory responsibilities of regulating the genetically modified food in Nigeria.
Bassey alleged that NBMA, the regulatory institution saddled with the responsibility of regulating GMO products, has failed in its responsibility, adding that its activities are based on pecuniary interests.
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She further called for the review of the National Biosafety Management Agency(NBMA) Act and its regulations, adding that there should more stringent measures to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians.
She further argued that in view of the porous borders of Nigeria, the government agency does not have the capacity to control the influx of genetically modified products in Nigeria.
According to her, “NBMA was establshed in 2015. This Agency is expected to be an unbiased regulator, but they have acted like promoters of GMOs, rather than a regulator.
“The Agency has been approving virtually every application without much consideration on the health implication of such products.
“NBMA Acts needs to be reviewed. It gives enormous power to the Agency. There is conflict of interest inherent in NBMA Act.
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“Why should National Biotechnology Development Agency(NABDA) be in the same board that NBMA wants to regulate? In any occasion, you see NABDA, you must definitely see NBMA.
“How would NBMA regulate NABDA, that has its representative on the board of NBMA? It is impossible. This is clearly a conflict of interest.”
Also speaking, Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua, Executive Director, Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), called on Nigerian government to stop the influx of GMOs into country, adding that scientific research available has shown that they are unsafe.
Amua also pointed out that the influx of GMOs in Nigeria does not have any economic benefit.
He noted that Mosanto, one of the companies that sponsors most of the genetically modified seeds has the patent of the product.
He further contented that GMO seeds cannot be re-planted for high yielding results in its second generation, adding that smallholder farmers would depend on these seed companies perpetually for their survival.
According to him, “GMO is a threat to our national security. They are a threat to our agricultural development, economy and health.”
Commenting on the essence of the media symposium, Amua said “The objective of this symposium is to provide a comprehensive evidence -based conversation platform for experts, media professionals, policy makers, and the public to discuss and explore the multifaceted issues surrounding GMOs.
“This event seeks to bridge the knowledge gap, dispel myths, and foster an informed conversation on the implications of GMOs for food safety, environmental sustainability, and agricultural practices.”
