By Yemi Adedeji, Abuja
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has urged Genetically Modified (GM) seeds and grains dealers to follow the due processes in importing GM products into the country.
The agency warned that there will be no sacred cows.
Though, it stressed the importance of the seeds and grain industry to the Nigerian economy, the agency advised the importers of such products to always get the appropriate permits in the interest of the safety of Nigerians.
Rufus Ebegba, Director General of NBMA, gave the warning at a consultative forum with Nigerian GM seeds and grain dealers in Abuja, stating that the Agency will not hesitate to penalize any erring importers who are found breaking the laws guiding importation of genetically modified seeds and grains.
He said that the Agency is primarily concerned with the gene of insert.
Ebegba said that, the key responsibility of NBMA is to ensure that the practice of Modern Biotechnology and use of its products, such as GMOs, are safe for human health and the environment.
He also said that, there is no sacred cow and whoever imports GMOs without following due process will be made to face the law. Every importer must first apply to NBMA before bringing GMOs into the country.
He said “We are working closely with our line and sister Agencies; Nigerian Custom Service (NCS), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), National Seed Council (NaSC), and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to ensure that our operations are smooth and effective.”
Ebegba stated: “We are aware that there are GM organisms that will cause suspends within the country. We have taken out time to profile and to ensure that the process of formalising dealings that are have been operational before now are done in a way that the economy is not distrusted
“Recently, we had to enforce deportation of genetically modifier grains and seeds and we are aware of the grave consequences of anyone that brings in such products. We are also aware of the importance of the grains and seeds industry to our national economy,”
“We are calling this meeting so that we will discuss with importers of grains and seeds into this country. We wouldn’t want anybody to fall a victim but at the same time the agency will not hesitate to implement any pact of the Act and enforce the Act to ensure that it is only those that GMOs we confirm safe that will approve and will be allowed to the Nigerian environment
“Let no one make the mistakes of attempting to bring in any GM products without the approval of the agency. The agency is not a toothless dog, the agency will enforce its laws no matter how painful they may be. Due diligence is required in the introduction of GMOs,” Ebegba said.