By Dele Ogbodo
Perhaps arising from the current food insecurity that Nigeria is battling to overcome, four (4) Federal Government Ministries: Environment, Health/Social Welfare, Innovation, Science and Technology (STI) and Agriculture/Food Security on Tuesday endorsed the application and use of biotechnology engineering under safe ecosystem to drive the country’s food production as encapsulated in President Bola Tinubu’s 8 point mantra of ensuring food security, creating jobs, reducing poverty and generally improving the standard of living of Nigerians.
This is coming even as the anti-group who are opposed to the application of biotechnology tools to drive Nigeria’s food security shunned the Biotechnology and Biosafety Stakeholders Forum (BBSF) in Abuja.
The stakeholders meeting which was convened at the Abuja International Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel) expectedly attracted over 4 federal government ministries, the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), the National Agricultural Seed Council of Nigeria (NASC), NBMA, the Academia, the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Arc. Ibrahim Kabiru, the Nigeria Medical Association (Catholic Medical Practitioners of Nigeria) and the National Agriculture Quarantine Service of Nigeria (NAQS) among others.
Riding on a lighter note, while lifting the lid for the commencement of the meeting, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said: “Anytime I see publication from the anti-GMO and biotechnology group, I do as usual call the attention of the DG/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, on why are there so much opposition to what she is doing.
“I’m doing that, because she is a regulator and therefore a regulator must remain open minded at all times as that is the only way you can to regulate effectively with open mindedness and so I will still continue to send to you any anti view so that you can maintain your open mindedness.”
While expressing fairness to both the GMOs and Biotechnology crops advocate and opposition, the Minister called on the anti-group to come forward should they have any contrary view to what the proponents have said on GMOs, in reinforcement, he added: “If there is any anti-group in the hall, they should not to feel threatened.
“You are free to come forward to make your case because the Federal Ministry of Environment only take side with facts and figures.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to invite all those who are skeptical about biotechnology to come forward and give us the evidences of their skepticism.”
According to the Minister, biotechnology is science and its products like GMOs have important role to play in ensuring food security, creating jobs, reducing poverty and generally improving the standard of living of Nigerians which are key elements in the 8 point agenda of President Tinubu.
He reiterated that he will ensure that his Ministry and the agencies ensure that biosafety remains a force for good, contributing to food security, climate resilience, better healthcare and economic stability of our beloved country.
He said: “You are free to come forward to make your case because the Federal Ministry of Environment is a regulator, we don’t take sides. We only take side with facts and figures.”
The Minister added that it was a privilege to contribute to the ongoing discussion on a subject of paramount importance, the adoption of modern biotechnology, stressing that the Ministry is deeply committed to the vision of President Tinubu, to “remodel the Nigerian economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and end extreme poverty.
The deployment of modern biotechnology according to him, is critical to achieving this vision of the President adding that the Ministry is determined to ensure that our biotechnology solutions developed through the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) are well grounded in scientific evidences, ethical deployment, safe application and freedom of choice.
Salako, said: “Biotechnology, without any doubt has provided revolutionary breakthroughs in environmental science and agriculture helping us to reduce use of pesticides, protecting biodiversity, reduce erosion and Green-House-Gas (GHG) emission, increase tolerance to drought, flood and improving nutrition.
“The technology remains an important tool for our quest to adapt to the challenges of climate change. In healthcare, it has redefine our approach to disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment thus helping patient outcomes and beaming positivity around diseases previously considered incurable.”
However, he added that there is also no doubt that there are widely held concerns around biotech products especially in the agriculture sector where there is a wide division on the risks to human health by food products derived from GMOs.
He said: “In all of us this debate, let me assure all Nigerians that the safety of the environment, the integrity of our ecosystems, the well-being of our citizens and our national interest remains the cornerstone of our regulatory endeavors in the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Biosafety Management Agency.
“Biotechnology to us is therefore not just a policy or a set of regulations it is a commitment to the conscientious stewardship of life itself grounded on facts and figures and not sentiments or commercial drive.
It is about ensuring that as we harness the potentials of genetic engineering and other biotechnological products such as GMOs, we do so with the utmost respect for nature’s balance, diversity and safety.
“Our commitment is to ensure that whatever advancements we make, must not come at the cost of our planet’s health, the health of the people and our moral compass.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), under the Federal Ministry, is the cornerstone of our efforts to regulate modern biotechnology activities in Nigeria. It is based on three key pillars which are risk assessment and management, regulatory fidelity and public engagement.”
Expressing confidence in the biosafety agency, the Minister, added that since its establishment in 9 years ago, the NBMA has been diligent in its mission to safeguard human health and the environment from the potential adverse effects of modern biotechnology and its products.
This is in line with international standards, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, to which Nigeria is a signatory, he added.
According to him, the agency was conceived and delivered in response to the demand of stakeholders in the field of biotechnology and to ensure that Nigeria keep pace with the rest of the world. I wish to assure all stakeholders and all Nigerians that the NBMA as a regulator will continue to stay above board and prioritizie safety of the people at all times.
“Let me call on all of us irrespective of our position in the biotechnology cum GMO debate to come forward and support the regulatory functions of the NBMA through collaboration, information sharing and expert opinion.
“We must avoid sensationalism, half-truths, scare mongering and inter-professional conflict induced antagonism. Let us promote informed dialogue on the deployment of biotechnology based on scientific evidence.
“The Ministry will continue to ensure that all factors are taken on-board and all stakeholders are given a voice for the biosafety of Nigerians. Let me therefore use this opportunity to invite all those who are skeptical about biotechnology to come forward and give us the evidences of their skepticism.
“I urge all Nigerians to have confidence in the Nigeria Biosafety Management Agency and its commitment to ensure proper regulation of modern biotechnology and providing biosecurity at all times.
“NBMA approvals are guided by strict protocols in collaboration with several other government agencies, research institutions and the academia. The state of biosafety in Nigeria remains very strong and is serving as an example to several other African countries.”
In her remark, the DG/CEO, NBMA, Dr. Yemisi Asagbra, acknowledged that the meeting which is for one common cause is to ensure the safe application of biotechnology and the protection of our biodiversity.
She said the agency is committed to providing a robust regulatory framework that safeguards human health and the environment from potential adverse effects of modern biotechnology as the agency stands at the forefront of regulating modern biotechnology in Nigeria.
Asagbra, said: “Our mandate is to ensure the safe application of modern biotechnology and to oversee the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) ensuring that it does not have any adverse impact of human health, plant life, animal and the environment. We are dedicated to safeguarding human health and preserving our rich biodiversity from potential adverse effects of modern biotechnology.
“Our activities span from rigorous assessments of GMOs to public awareness campaigns, ensuring that biotechnological advancements are both safe and beneficial. We have made significant strides in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework that aligns with international best practices.
“Today’s meeting is not just an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences; it is a platform to forge partnerships and collaborate towards a sustainable future.
The DG/CEO, NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, in a remark, while underscoring the overarching essence of the meeting, said, “Today’s meeting holds immense significance as we come together to engage in constructive dialogue and deliberation on the complexities surrounding GMOs, a topic that touches upon the intersecting realms of agriculture, innovation, science and technology, health, and environment.
According to him, the presence of key stakeholders from these diverse sectors underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the challenges and opportunities associated with biotechnology and biosafety.
Mustapha, admitted that the rapid advancement of biotechnology, particularly genetic engineering, has ushered in a new era of possibilities for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving human health, mitigating environmental challenges, and driving socio-economic development.
He said: “Our world is at a critical juncture, where scientific advancements intersect with societal values and concerns. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we engage in open, transparent, and inclusive dialogues surrounding biotechnology, particularly genetically modified organisms GMOs.
“The subject of GMOs has often been shrouded in misinformation, misunderstanding, fear, controversies, and concerns regarding their safety, regulation, ethical implications, and socio-economic impacts.
“As stewards of scientific progress, it is our duty to bridge this gap of knowledge and foster informed discussions that pave the way for evidence-based decision-making.”
Against this backdrop, he added that the stakeholders gathering today serves as a platform for informed dialogue, evidence-based discussion, and collaborative action to address the multifaceted dimensions of GMOs.
“By bringing together stakeholders from across government, academia, industry, farmer groups, civil society, and the public, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, identify common ground, and chart a collective path forward that prioritizes the public good, safety, and sustainability.
“As we embark on this important journey of dialogue and collaboration, I urge all participants to approach the discussions with open minds, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to finding constructive solutions that serve the best interests of our nation and its people.
“Let us harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making to navigate the complexities of biotechnology and biosafety, ensuring that our actions are guided by scientific integrity, ethical principles, and the well-being of present and future generations.” Mustapha said.
Nigeria, the NBRDA CEO, acknowledged is blessed with over 20 research institutes that are working on the genetic improvement of the various crops that we have comparative advantage in producing.
“These institutions are also training a lot of manpower for the country hence the need for us to take advantage of government policy that had established a very viable regulatory regime to ensure that the practice of modern biotechnology does not pose danger to human, animals and the environment.
“I am confident that through our collective efforts, we can demystify GMOs, unlock their transformative potential, and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.” The DG said.