The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency has assured Nigerians of the health safety of genetically modified organisms.

The director-general of NBRDA, Abdullahi Mustapha, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Mustapha gave the assurance against the backdrop of ongoing debates and conversations around GMOs, which he described as based on general misinformation.

According to Mr Mustapha, the agency remains committed to bridging the gap of ignorance through evidence-based engagement, sensitisation, and research-driven advocacy.

Mr Mustapha added that the agency’s core mandate is to promote and conduct innovative research in agriculture, health, industry, the environment, and other strategic sectors, based on a commitment to humanity.

“Our top priority is the well-being of Nigerians. We will never compromise public health or safety in the pursuit of innovation,” Mr Mustapha said.

He said GMOs were globally recognised as safe for human health and the environment.

According to him, the approval of GMOs in Nigeria is subject to strict biosafety regulations by the National Biosafety Management Agency.

“It is important for Nigerians to know that GMOs are safe. Around the world, they have been researched for decades, regulated by rigorous international standards, and tested extensively.

“Here in Nigeria, no GMO product enters circulation without the full approval of the NBMA, which subjects every product to thorough risk assessments,” he said.

Mr Mustapha said that the NBRDA has intensified efforts to sensitise and engage stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, scientists, youth, and civil society, about biotechnology.

He said that through training programmes, community outreach, open forums, and field demonstrations, the agency was rebuilding public confidence and countering misinformation with facts.

(NAN)