NBMA Disposes of Unauthorised Transgenic Cotton Seeds, Sanctions Firm

News in Brief:

—NBMA destroyed 57 cartons of unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds weighing about 950kg and investigations traced the seeds to Fiyah Global Concept Limited.

—The company was sanctioned for handling genetically modified cotton seeds without regulatory approval, breaching industry regulations.

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has destroyed 57 cartons of unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds weighing approximately 950 kilogrammes, as part of efforts to enforce Nigeria's biosafety laws and strengthen regulatory compliance.

The disposal exercise took place at the agency's designated dump site in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Investigation Traced Seeds to Company

Director-General of the NBMA, Dr Fatima Zuntu, said the action followed intelligence gathering, surveillance, compliance monitoring and investigations.

According to her, the agency traced the unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds to Fiyah Global Concept Limited, which allegedly introduced and handled the genetically modified seeds without obtaining the regulatory approvals required under the NBMA Act and other applicable biosafety regulations.

Zuntu explained that the incident represented a regulatory compliance breach rather than a public safety incident, stressing that the unauthorised activities did not pose any threat to human health, animal health or the environment.

She disclosed that the agency had imposed administrative sanctions on the company in accordance with existing biosafety laws.

The enforcement action demonstrates the agency's commitment to protecting Nigerians, preserving biodiversity and ensuring full compliance with regulations governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

She emphasised that no individual, institution or organisation is above the law, adding that the agency would continue to enforce biosafety regulations without fear or favour.

NBMA Supports Responsible Biotechnology

The director reaffirmed the agency's support for scientific research, innovation and the safe application of modern biotechnology, provided all activities comply with Nigeria's regulatory framework.

She urged researchers, seed companies, institutions, biotechnology developers and other stakeholders to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals before importing, handling or deploying genetically modified organisms in the country.

Zuntu also appealed to journalists and media organisations to report biosafety issues accurately and responsibly to improve public understanding and prevent the spread of misinformation.

She reiterated the agency's commitment to ensuring biotechnology activities in Nigeria meet the highest standards of safety, transparency, accountability and public interest.

EHCON Commends Enforcement Action

Zuntu commended the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) for collaborating with the agency during the disposal exercise.

She added that the NBMA would continue working with relevant government institutions and stakeholders to safeguard public health, protect the environment and strengthen confidence in Nigeria's biosafety regulatory system.

Also speaking, the Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba, described the exercise as a proactive measure aimed at preventing the illegal importation of genetically modified and uncertified seeds into Nigeria.

According to him, the enforcement action will contribute to creating a healthier and safer environment for Nigerians.