NBMA Halts New GM Cotton Varieties Amid Regulatory Violations
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the registration of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties in Nigeria. The agency has ordered the immediate suspension of MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002, citing serious compliance abnormalities.
In a statement released by Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Public Relations, the NBMA clarified that it never granted approval for confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of these GM cotton varieties. Any actions taken outside this regulatory framework are deemed violations of the National Biosafety Management Act 2015, as amended.
Unauthorized Registration and Trials
Through its regulatory surveillance and compliance-monitoring mechanisms, the NBMA identified that the cotton varieties were registered by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries on March 26, 2027, without the requisite approval. Subsequent verification confirmed that confined field trials and related activities involving these transgenic varieties were conducted without prior authorisation, inspection, or regulatory oversight by the agency.
According to Ogbaki, under the NBMA Act, no person or institution is permitted to conduct such activities without explicit approval from the agency. This breach highlights significant lapses in adherence to national biosafety regulations.
Immediate Actions and Ongoing Investigations
In response to these issues, the NBMA has directed the National Committee to suspend any further action on the registration and release of these varieties pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. The agency will apply all appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions as provided under the law, assuring Nigerians that it is handling the matter with utmost seriousness.
The public will be kept informed as investigations progress. At this time, there is no evidence of any immediate risk to public health or the environment, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure continued safety and regulatory integrity.
Commitment to Compliance and Safety
The NBMA remains committed to ensuring that all modern biotechnology activities in Nigeria are conducted in strict compliance with national laws and international best practices. This incident underscores the importance of robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard biosafety and prevent unauthorized genetic modifications in agriculture.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are urged to adhere strictly to established protocols to avoid similar breaches in the future.
