Government to conduct survey of GMO suspects

The  Federal Government said all is set for a nationwide survey and analysis of suspected genetically modified organisms in the country to guard against any adverse impact on humans and the environment. Mr Rufus Ebegba, Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency, who said this at the agency’s inception session, noted that “what we are saying […]

The  Federal Government said all is set for a nationwide survey and analysis of suspected genetically modified organisms in the country to guard against any adverse impact on humans and the environment.

Mr Rufus Ebegba, Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency, who said this at the agency’s inception session, noted that “what we are saying is that right now in Nigeria, we have what is called GMO suspects, Nigeria is already consuming GMO unofficially, but now that we have a law we are going to carry out a survey and ensure that all these are properly identified, documented and all the necessary risk assessment are carried out to ensure that these products are suitable for Nigerians’ consumption and to the environment.”

He said that government was properly equipped to deal with anyone or prosecute whoever brings any GMO crop into the country or deals in modern biotechnology without official approval.

He said Nigeria would make great gains from the establishment of NBMA.

“First and foremost the law will now enable Nigerians to be dealing in modern biotechnology and it has the potentials to produce new products and also the ability to expand the industry of biotechnology which will lead to job creation.”

The director general said: “Nigeria cannot afford to shy away from the adoption of GMO technology. It is only this law and this agency that will ensure that the GMO products are safe for Nigerians because now Burkina-Faso is producing cotton, South Africa is into corn and Ghana and you know there is free trade in West Africa so the only thing is for Nigeria to have a very good agency that will ensure that these products are safe for consumption.”

Nigeria as a country is endowed with rich biodiversity and the federal government does not wish advancement in modern biotechnology to adversely impact on it and on human health, Ebegba added.