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Yemi Adedeji, AbujaThe National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure safe practice of modern biotechnology.Rufus Ebegba, Director General of NBMA while addressing the team from the SON said there was need for government agencies to work together to serve the people better.
This collaborative MoU he stated, makes it the fifth signed with sister agencies by NBMA in its efforts to ensure that genetically modified products are safely deployed for the benefit of Nigerians.He said the agency is established to ensure that the practice of Modern Biotechnology that results in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is safe to both humans and the environment.According to him, “risk assessment is a pillar of the Agency. NBMA is interested in the gene of insert. It ensures that GMOs are well analysed to ascertain that there is no risk to Nigerians or the Nigerian environment before they are commercialized”.
Osita Aboloma , Director General, SON, expressed happiness over the memorandum and stated that SON is ready to partner with NBMA to actualize its mandate.Aboloma who was represented by Umaru Kawu, Director Legal Services, also stressed the need for government agencies to synergize, and to facilitate the set goals of government.“It is good that NBMA has signed MoUs with other major government Agencies that will contribute to the effectiveness of its mandate,” he said.
