NAFDAC, NBMA, Health Minister set up technical working group on GMO foods
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye and that of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbara have met with the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa “to address the growing public concerns regarding Genetically Modified (GM) foods.”
According to Dr Alausa, who convened the meeting, the objective was to identify areas of agreement and collaboration to inform and reassure Nigerians.
The minister added that public perceptions will be much enhanced when government agencies communicate with each other in a consistent and efficient manner and take a single, coordinated strategy to disseminate information concerning Genetically Modified Organic crops and food safety.
Alausa stated, “I extend my appreciation to the DG of NBMA and DG of NAFDAC for setting aside any differences and reaffirming NAFDAC’s commitment to adhere to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), ensuring the revocation of approval for any GM foods that fail to meet rigorous scientific safety assessments.
“To enhance public trust in food safety regulations, we are establishing a Technical Working Group (TWG) between NBMA and NAFDAC. This TWG aims to:
- Channel applicants through NBMA for preliminary assessments before NAFDAC processing.
- Foster collaboration on risk assessment and GMO food labelling.
- Facilitate capacity building and training exchanges.
- Strengthen joint efforts in IT and global listing initiatives.”
