…Asagbra: Journey toward achieving food security, others a collective effort
By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government through the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, on Tuesday commended the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) an agency under its purview for its continuous effort in upholding the tenants of global biosafety principles for granting approval for Nigeria’s Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) for food security and environmental safety.
He acknowledged NBMA’s innovation through the yearly conference to cross-catalyze ideas, dissect recent trends in biotechnology and its biosafety implications, and to amplify the outcomes for improving the national biosafety system.
The Minister said: “Well done to the Director General, Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra and her team for their professionalism and expertise in bring safety measure to bear in the sector.
The Minister while speaking at the ongoing International Biosafety Conference in Abuja, underscored that biotechnological innovations and the products thereof: such as Genetically Modified Organisms – meet the rigourous safety standards embedded through the agency’s regulatory frameworks will mitigate any environmental risks such as gene flow and invasiveness among others.
Lawal, further explained that the conference which attracted stakeholders from across the country will deepen shared understanding of biosafety as a critical pillar in achieving global food security, improved health, and sustainable environmental practices.
He said: “I will therefore at this point urge us all to remember that as we gather today to explore and enhance our understanding of the regulation of advanced biotechnology and the products thereof, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect not only the rich biodiversity of Nigeria and Africa, but also the health and well-being of all its inhabitants.
“You will agree with me that the conference theme: “Biosafety: An Indispensable Tool for Achieving Food Security, Health Improvement, and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria,” is timely and urgent, considering the strong commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in improving the well-being of Nigerians and ensuring genuine diversification of the economy.”
The Minister acknowledged that the world has faced mounting challenges from food insecurity and climate change to health crises and biodiversity loss.
“These are global issues, but they uniquely impact developing nations like ours where livelihoods often depend directly on natural resources. In tackling some of these livelihood challenges, the accelerating pace of technological advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering has opened doors to incredible possibilities.
“These innovations have offered the world the tools to address hunger, disease, and environmental challenges in ways that were previously unimaginable.
“However, as it is popularly said – “with great promise comes great responsibility.” Ensuring that the use of these biotechnologies are safe, ethical, and aligned with global commitments to sustainability must be a priority for every nation.
“Surely this discussion has been well utilized in the global commitments to biodiversity under the Convention on biological diversity leading to the emergence of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety serving as a global direction for ensuring the safe use of modern biotechnology to biodiversity taking into account risks to human health.”
According to him, Nigeria, with a rapidly growing population, climate-related challenges like insecurity, flooding and drought and an ever-expanding agricultural sector, balancing innovation in biotechnology with the preservation of our rich biodiversity and the safety of human and animal health is paramount because we take serious actions in ensuring effective implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety through NBMA.
Biosafety, the Minister said is therefore not merely a technical issue, it is a foundational aspect of our collective security towards having a lasting impact on the health of our ecosystems, the resilience of our food systems, and the well-being of our communities.
These interconnected systems, he added strongly remind us that biosafety is indeed an imperative for resilience and sustainable national development.
He said: “You all will agree with me that advanced biotechnologies in agriculture have offered promising solutions to boost crop yields and improve resistance to pests and diseases. Also, beyond ensuring food security, it enhances nutritional value and promotes bio-fortification to combat malnutrition thereby providing potentials too for health improvement.
“The technology has also shown potentials for environmental sustainability through reduction in the use of pesticides for agriculture among many others.
“Let me therefore reiterate that we all should bear in our minds that as we deepen our knowledge of biosafety and proofer recommendations for strengthening biosafety in Nigeria, they must be geared towards our belief in the Federal Ministry of Environment that “Biosafety is our safeguard” and through this safeguard, we aim to foster an environment where biotechnology enhances, rather than compromises biodiversity taking into account risks to human health
“At this juncture, let me emphasize that as Nigeria continues to journey in her quest for an enviable biosafety system in Africa, we use this Conference to re-engineer our commitment to transparent collaborations for strengthening the Nigerian biosafety system through holding high of our science-based risk assessments, enhancing transparency, encouraging informed public participation, strengthening regulatory frameworks, investing in capacity building in line with the emerging trends in biotechnology and fostering the culture of responsible bio-innovations.
“Let me also extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone present here today. Your dedication to this cause is both inspiring and essential. Let us leave this conference with renewed commitment and energy under a shared vision of working together and championing biosafety practices which remain the only tool to unlock the full potential of safe and responsible biotechnology for the benefit of all humanity.
In her remarks, the DG while expressing appreciation, said the agency is thrilled to host this years’ conference to explore the theme of profound significance: “Biosafety: An Indispensable Tool for Achieving Food Security, Health Improvement, and Environmental Sustainability.
Asagbra, said: “As we embark on this important journey together, we are reminded of the vital role biosafety plays in safeguarding our human health, animal health and the environment. In an era where global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and food insecurity are ever-present, our commitment to biosafety has never been more crucial.
“This conference provides us with a unique platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate across disciplines. We are privileged to welcome a diverse group of experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who are united by a common goal: to ensure that our biosafety practices not only protect human health but also promote sustainable development and environmental resilience.
“Over the next two days, we will engage in thought-provoking discussions, participate in workshops, and hear from leading voices in the field. I encourage each of you to take full advantage of this opportunity to connect with your peers, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore innovative solutions to the pressing biosafety challenges we face.
“As we progress in this conference, let us remember that the journey toward achieving food security, improving health, and ensuring environmental sustainability is a collective effort. Together, we can make significant strides in enhancing biosafety practices globally.”