In response to growing public concerns about genetically modified (GM) foods, the Nigerian government has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety of these products.
A high-level meeting was convened by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, bringing together key agencies responsible for regulating GM foods.
The meeting, aimed to address public fears and misconceptions about GM foods, with a focus on inter-agency collaboration and consistent communication.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of working together to alleviate concerns, citing extensive scientific evidence supporting the safety of GM foods.
Representatives from the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) attended the meeting. Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, Director-General of NBMA, highlighted the existing collaboration between the two agencies, including a Memorandum of Understanding established in 2017.
“No GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement,” Dr. Asagbra assured, emphasizing the rigorous regulatory process in place to ensure public safety.
This meeting marks a significant step towards addressing public concerns about GM foods in Nigeria, demonstrating the government’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and scientific evidence-based decision-making.
