Agnes Asagbra, the National Biosafety Management Agency director-general, has reassured Nigerians of the safety of consuming GMOs.

Ms Asagbra stated this at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, allaying fears that GMOs are harmful.

“Our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment, and we will not compromise on these because they are an agency of integrity.

“It is important for the public to understand that without NBMA, Nigeria could become a dumping ground for unregulated, potentially harmful GMOs and the products of biotechnology. Our agency is a shield against such dangers, ensuring that only safe biotechnological products enter our markets,” she said.

Ms Asagbra frowned at the fact that, in recent times, the agency had been the target of attacks by some NGOs.

“Our regulatory framework is designed to protect us as Nigerians, other citizens, the environment and our biodiversity from every harm,” she noted.

Ms Asagbra said the negative statements circulating are misleading and lack credible scientific backing.

“We ask these organisations to provide verifiable scientific evidence for their claims. Our agency relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognised protocols to make informed decisions and also belong to the Cartagena protocol,” she explained.

(NAN)