The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health by enforcing strict safety regulations on genetically modified (GM) foods.
The Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Agnes Asagbra, gave this assurance during her appearance on The Morning Brief, a Channels TV programme, on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Responding to rising fears among Nigerians about the effects of GM foods, Asagbra emphasized that the government does not take food safety lightly.
According to her, NBMA takes every step to ensure that Nigerians remain safe while benefiting from modern biotechnology.
“The government understands the need to regulate biotechnology carefully.
Our role is to protect people, animals, plants, and the environment from any potential risks,” she said.
She added that the agency follows international safety benchmarks when reviewing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Asagbra explained that experts conduct thorough scientific evaluations before granting any approval.
Moreover, she cited global frameworks like the Cartagena Protocol under the Convention on Biodiversity and the Codex Alimentarius by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as key guides.
“We don’t compromise safety. Any GMO we approve must pass international scientific tests.
These standards protect our people and align with global best practices,” she stated.
To further guarantee public safety, NBMA monitors supermarkets and product outlets to verify that GM products meet required labeling standards.
She said the agency works hand in hand with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to make sure manufacturers clearly label genetically modified items.
“We make sure Nigerians know what they are buying. Our officers go out regularly to inspect products and labels,” she said.
Asagbra concluded by stressing that proper regulation is not optional. It plays a vital role in maintaining food safety, preserving the environment, and building public trust in biotechnology.
Clearly, while biotechnology offers many benefits, NBMA remains focused on placing the health and safety of Nigeriansabove everything else.