The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has assured Nigerians of the health safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The Director-General of NBRDA, Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, gave the assurance in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Mrs Toyin Omozuwa, on Monday in Abuja.
Mustapha said the clarification was necessary in view of ongoing debates and conversations around GMOs, which he described as being largely based on misinformation.
According to him, the agency remains committed to bridging knowledge gaps through evidence-based engagement, sensitisation, and research-driven advocacy.
He added that the agency’s core mandate is to promote and conduct innovative research in agriculture, health, industry, the environment, and other strategic sectors with a strong commitment to humanity.
“Our top priority is the well-being of Nigerians. We will never compromise public health or safety in the pursuit of innovation,” Mustapha said.
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He explained that GMOs are globally recognised as safe for both human health and the environment.
According to him, the approval of GMO products in Nigeria is subject to strict biosafety regulations enforced by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
“It is important for Nigerians to know that GMOs are safe. Across the world, they have been researched for decades, regulated by rigorous international standards, and extensively tested.
“Here in Nigeria, no GMO product enters circulation without the full approval of the NBMA, which subjects every product to thorough risk assessments,” the Director-General stated.
Mustapha also said that the NBRDA has intensified efforts to sensitise and engage stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, scientists, young people, and civil society organisations, about biotechnology.
He noted that through training programmes, community outreach, open forums, and field demonstrations, the agency is rebuilding public confidence and countering misinformation with facts.
