Asagbara Says Nigeria Will Upgrade Its Biosafety Management Agency To Be The Best in Africa

Dr. Agnes Asagbra, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), stated that the agency is ready to upgrade its technology to maintain its position as the continent’s leading biosafety and biotechnology regulatory authority.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Asagbra said, “Nigeria’s biosafety processes are on par, if not ahead of, those in other African countries such as Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa.” Our agency has received international recognition for its strong regulatory framework, which serves as a model for biosafety and biotechnology regulation throughout the continent.

“These countries have strong biosafety regulations, but our biosafety system continues to rank high due to the high international standards that are met. Kenya, for example, has been at the forefront of African GMO research and commercialization, with the National Biosafety Authority approving Bt cotton’s environmental release. Similarly, South Africa has been growing genetically modified crops since 1997 and has a well-developed regulatory system.”

She stated, “We are the best in Africa, but we are not going to rest on our laurels.” We want to upgrade our technology to remain competitive.”

She explained, “The Nigerian Biosafety Law is more than just legislation; it is a commitment to the country’s long-term viability.” It ensures that Nigeria uses modern biotechnology responsibly, with the utmost concern for the health of its people and the environment.

Asagbra encouraged, “Let us embrace advances in safe modern biotechnology with an informed perspective.” Let us put our trust in the rigorous procedures in place to keep us all safe. Together, we can work towards a future in which food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth coexist.”

She stated that the establishment of the NBMA has resulted in the development of international biosafety frameworks, such as a GMO detection and analysis laboratory, national biosafety policies, and regulatory instruments, emphasising that “these measures have positioned Nigeria as a leader in biosafety regulation in Africa, influencing other countries’ biosafety practices.”