Rufus Ebegba: NBMA is equipped to regulate modern biotechnology

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Director General/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Rufus Ebegba has said that the Agency is well equipped to ensure the proper regulation of modern biotechnology in the country.

Dr Ebegba who was speaking at the 5th National Biosafety Conference organized by the agency in collaboration with the Nasarawa State University, Keffi said that the NBMA was established to serve as a safety gauge for the practice of modern biotechnology in Nigeria.

According to a release made available by NBMA’s Head of Press Unit, Gloria Ogbaki, the DG also noted that the biotech agency was set up to ensure that the technology is utilised for economic development.

Dr. Ebegba further stated that modern biotechnology is a powerful tool which needs adequate regulation in harnessing its benefits to ensure safety to human and animal health, and the environment, hence, the United Nations came up with Protocols to address the potential adverse effects that could arise from the application of the technology and use of its products.

The DG highlighted the activities of the Agency, as well as the achievements, and stated that the Agency is very much involved in ensuring that biotechnology contributes positively to our national economy.

He stressed the need to translate knowledge into production, job creation and economic growth; noting that the Agency was working on calling a Stakeholders’ meeting to strategize on how to address the new areas included in the Agency’s mandate.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed, commended the NBMA DG for bringing the Conference to the Institution, and considered it an honour and privilege to host the Conference, maintaining that the Conference is consistent with the university’s mandate to facilitate cross fertilization of ideas.

The VC observed that products of modern biotechnology are controversial due to lack of proper communication and understanding. He therefore charged NBMA to step up its awareness campaign to ensure Nigerians fully understand the benefits that the technology has to offer.

Representative of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hadija Sabo Jemita, stressed the need for increased awareness of the Agency’s mandate, as well as aggressive media campaigns to counter non-scientific and ignorant views of biotechnology and biosafety.

She recommended that biotechnology should be introduced early in schools to ensure that people understand the concept right from the beginning.

Also speaking, Hon. Commissioner of Environment, Nasarawa State who was represented by Chammang Atinuke, applauded the NBMA for the good work going on in the agency to ensure safety in harnessing the benefits of modern biotechnology and its derivatives. She equally praised the Agency for applying the Precautionary Principle in achieving its mandate.

The two-day conference with the theme “Biosafety Management in Nigeria: Panacea for Economic Growth and Development” attracted participants from universities all over the country, civil society groups amongst others.