NBMA issues 7-Day ultimatum to GM Seeds Importers

The Director General/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Ebegba has given importers of Genetically Modified Seeds (GM Seeds) a seven-day ultimatum, starting from last Friday, to formalise their dealings or risk being shut down.

Ebegba, who said this at a media conference in Abuja, noted that there is a current influx of illegal GM products in the country and urged dealers to obtain the necessary Biosafety permit from the agency before making such importation. This permit allows the agency to carry out risk assessments on GM Seeds.

He said the agency would not hesitate to prosecute those trading in GMOs and their by-products illegally. He noted that the agency was established to ensure that GM products are safe for Nigerians, as no product will be allowed into the country without the necessary safety analyses and risk assessments.

The DG recalled that there had been a meeting where potential importers were familiarised with the procedure to trade GMOs and their by-products.He also stated that GM products in confined field trials would not be released to the market till they are confirmed safe to both human health and the environment.