Regulatory Manager (RHI) - IT-Online it-online.co.za - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from it-online.co.za Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
NBMA reiterates commitment to clamp down on GMOs
On
By Fortune Eromosele, Abuja
The National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, Tuesday, reiterated commitment to ensuring the eradication of Genetically Modified Organisms, (GMOs) in the country, as well as assuring Nigerians of safe products in the market.
The Director-General of the NBMA, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Abuja, stating that Nigerians should be aware of the roles of the Agency in the proper regulation of GMOs in the country.
He insisted that the NBMA has not been resting on its oars in ensuring that only safe and approved genetically modified seeds and grains for food and feed processing are allowed into the Nigerian market.
Share
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has said that currently, there are no genetically modified beans and fruits in the Nigerian market.
The Director-General of NBMA, Dr Rufus Ebegba disclosed this, on Tuesday, while briefing journalists on the state of biosafety in the country.
He said what is sold in the market are hybrid fruits and beans which is been misconstrued by the public to be genetically modified crops.
He said, however, that the mandate of the Agency is not to stop the application of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), instead, the Agency is saddled with the responsibility of regulating the use of the technology.
A coalition of civil societies, under the aegis of GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), on Thursday, called for the urgent ban on genetic modifications of food crops and animals.
Views
386
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are made by introducing a gene from a superficial source like animal, virus, plant or bacteria into usually associated species. Prime reasons crops are modified is to enhance desired traits such as: a resistance to herbicides and pesticides, increased nutritional content, improved tolerance to the effects of adverse weather conditions and produce millions of identical crops for cheaper. Currently, GM crops are grown around the world by approximately 18 million farmers. With more than 75 countries that import, grow and/or research GMOs, and out of these, only 64 countries world wide require labeling laws.
Don’t waste time