By Hillary Asemota
The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has stated that her previous remarks on Genetically Modified Organism/crops were misunderstood by the general public.
This is coming even as she underscored that NAFDAC is commitment to ensuring the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) crops approved by Federal Government through the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
Recall that disagreement ensued between NAFDAC and NBMA at the heel of the commercialization of the TELA maize crop approved by the Biosafety agency.
In a meeting brokered by the Minister of Health for State, Dr. Tunji Alausa, over the weekend in Abuja, the Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, asserted that GMO crops permit are not issued in Nigeria without the approval of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
NAFDAC, few weeks back had disassociated itself from approving TELA maize biotechnology crop for cultivation following its commercial approval for cultivation by the federal government.
The NBMA boss further reinforced that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement.
Asagbra, however admitted collaboration between the two agencies will be enhanced for food safety in the country.
In a statement made available to the media, the Spokesperson for Biosafety Agency, Gloria Ogbaki, said: “In response to recent public concerns regarding Genetically Modified (GM) foods, a pivotal meeting was convened by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, bringing together the Director-General/CEO of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra and The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof Mojisola Adeyeye.
The Minister urged for a collaborative approach to address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety.
DG of NBMA, appreciated the Minister for the meeting and highlighted the historical collaboration between NBMA and NAFDAC, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in 2017.
According to her, the Minister emphasized the importance of consistent communication among government agencies to alleviate public fears.
He noted the need for a collaborative approach to address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety.
In her response, DG of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that her previous remarks on GM foods were misunderstood, emphasizing NAFDAC’s commitment to safety.
She reaffirmed the agency’s rigorous safety standards, stating that no GM foods will be approved without thorough scientific safety assessments.
Ogbaki, said: “Key Resolutions from the meeting include: Establishing a Technical Working Group (TWG) between NBMA and NAFDAC. Developing Terms of Reference for the TWG and setting up a secretariat.
“Referring applicants to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC. Continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labeling. Enhancing capacity building and training exchanges. Joint efforts in IT and Global Listing initiatives.
“The meeting which was aimed to reinforce collaboration between the two agencies to ensure a unified message on food safety, marks a significant step towards unified governance in food safety and public health in Nigeria.
“Both agencies remain committed to ensuring that scientific evidence guides their actions, fostering public trust in food safety regulations.”
Both DGs said that by working together, “we reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection and safeguarding the health of the nation.”
