The Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Agnes Asagbra, said safe use of modern biotechnology is essential in enhancing environmental sustainability.

Ms Asagbra made this submission at a two-day workshop on biosafety communications for NBMA officers and stakeholders in collaboration with the Programme for Biosafety Systems on Tuesday in Abuja.

She stated, “Ensuring the safe use of modern biotechnology is essential for protecting our environment, health, and biodiversity.’’

Ms Asagbra said that the objective of the workshop was not only timely but also crucial in navigating the complexities of modern biotechnology and its regulation.

She added that biosafety was a cornerstone of their work at NBMA.

She noted, “This workshop is designed to equip us with the tools and strategies needed to communicate biosafety regulations more effectively. We will explore various areas such as the role of misinformation, strategies to engage stakeholders, and Kenyan experience in terms of biosafety communications, among other very interesting topics. Effective communication is key to achieving this goal; it is through clear, transparent, and engaging communication that we can build public trust, inform stakeholders, and promote informed decision-making.’’

In his remarks, the Programme Assistant of PBS, Chinyere Nzeduru, commended NBMA for the workshop and assured of the programme’s support for NBMA’s mandate. 

(NAN)