NBMA destroys 950kg of banned GM cotton seeds

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has destroyed 57 cartons of unapproved transgenic hybrid cotton seeds. These seeds weighed about 950 kilograms. This action is part of the agency's efforts to uphold Nigeria's biosafety rules.

The agency made this known in a statement on Friday. They said the disposal was done to ensure that Nigeria's biosafety laws, regulations, and procedures for modern biotechnology are followed.

"The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has carried out the regulatory disposal of 57 cartons of transgenic hybrid cotton seeds weighing approximately 950 kilograms, in line with its statutory mandate to ensure compliance with Nigeria’s biosafety laws, regulations, and approved procedures governing modern biotechnology activities," the statement said.

During the disposal, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the NBMA, Fatima Suleiman-Zuntu, explained that this action followed intelligence, surveillance, compliance checks, and a detailed investigation by the agency.

According to her, the investigations showed that the transgenic hybrid cotton seeds came from Fiyah Global Concept Limited. These seeds were introduced and managed without the required regulatory approvals under the National Biosafety Management Act and the rules on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.

This disposal happened about four months after the NBMA paused the introduction of four new genetically modified cotton types into the country. In March, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the agency suspended four GM cotton types: MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002.

The suspension was due to claims that the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties registered these cotton types without getting the necessary approvals from the NBMA. The agency also noted that the field trials and research activities for these varieties were done without the required regulatory oversight and inspections.

In Nigeria, the use of GM crops has been a topic of debate. Supporters say this technology can increase food production and improve food security. Critics worry about environmental and health impacts, weak regulation, and poor labeling.

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) reports that over 30 major food crops have been genetically modified worldwide. Nigeria has approved four crops, maize, cowpea, cotton, and soybean, for commercial use and is one of six African countries leading in biotech crop adoption.

In 2024, the government approved four varieties of Tela maize, which raised discussions about the safety and transparency of GM crops. There are also worries about farmers' limited understanding of GM seed traits, possible reliance on seed companies, and the effect on traditional farming methods.

An investigation by PREMIUM TIMES and international partners in 2024 found that the US government, through the now-defunct USAID, funded pesticide and GM-related campaigns in Nigeria. This included efforts that targeted critics of GMOs.

As these discussions go on, the suspension of the new cotton varieties highlights ongoing issues with biosafety compliance and regulatory checks in Nigeria's biotechnology sector. In Friday's statement, Mrs Suleiman-Zuntu stressed that this was a breach of regulatory compliance, not a biosafety or public health issue.

"At no point did the unauthorized activities pose a threat to human health, animal health, or the environment. Nevertheless, compliance with established regulatory procedures remains a fundamental requirement for maintaining the integrity, credibility, and effectiveness of Nigeria’s biosafety system," the statement said.

The agency also noted that aside from destroying the seeds, it has placed administrative penalties on Fiyah Global Concept Limited as the law demands. Mrs Suleiman-Zuntu stated that the agency's actions are based on its duty to protect Nigerians, preserve biodiversity, and maintain public trust in the regulation of modern biotechnology.

"This exercise sends a clear signal that no individual, institution, or organization is above the law. Regulatory compliance is not optional. The National Biosafety Management Agency will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor whenever violations of biosafety regulations, guidelines, permit conditions, or approval requirements are identified," she said.

She added, "NBMA exists to serve and protect Nigerians. Every action taken by the Agency is guided by one overriding objective: the safety, health, wellbeing, and environmental security of our people. We will not compromise these responsibilities for any individual, institution, or commercial interest."

While reaffirming the agency’s support for research, innovation, and technological progress in modern biotechnology, Mrs Suleiman-Zuntu emphasized that these activities must follow the law. She urged researchers, seed companies, and others involved in biotechnology to get all necessary approvals before starting any work with GMOs in Nigeria.

The NBMA also recognized the media's role in educating the public about biosafety and urged journalists to report accurately on biotechnology issues. They noted that responsible reporting is key to building public trust and stopping misinformation.

The agency promised to ensure that biotechnology in Nigeria meets high standards of safety, accountability, transparency, and public interest. They also thanked the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA) for helping with the disposal exercise. The NBMA will keep working with relevant agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s biosafety regulatory system.