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

NBRDA Director-General Abdullahi Mustapha made this assertion in a statement, emphasizing that the ongoing debates around GMOs are largely based on misinformation.

According to Mustapha, the agency prioritizes bridging the knowledge gap through evidence-based engagement, sensitization, and research-driven advocacy.

The NBRDA’s core mandate is to promote and conduct innovative research in strategic sectors like agriculture, health, industry, and the environment, all while prioritizing humanity.

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

GMOs, he explained, are globally recognized as safe for human health and the environment. Their approval in Nigeria is subject to strict biosafety regulations enforced by the National Biosafety Management Agency.

“It is crucial for Nigerians to understand that GMOs are safe, having been researched for decades, regulated by rigorous international standards, and tested extensively,” Mustapha added.

In Nigeria, no GMO product enters circulation without the NBMA’s full approval, which involves thorough risk assessments. To address public concerns, the NBRDA has intensified efforts to sensitize and engage various stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, scientists, youth, and civil society, about biotechnology.

Through training programs, community outreach, open forums, and field demonstrations, the agency aims to rebuild public confidence and counter misinformation with facts. By doing so, the NBRDA seeks to promote a better understanding of GMOs and their potential benefits.