The National Bio-safety Management Agency (NBMA) has charged scientists in the country to defend the usefulness of modern bio-technology to the growth and development of Nigeria.
The Rufus Ebegba, director general and CEO, NBMA, has challenged Nigerian scientists to come out in their numbers and defend the usefulness of modern biotechnology to the growth and development of the country.
Rufus Ebegba, director general and CEO, NBMA, made the charge during a keynote speech at the nd South-West Agroecological Bio-safety awareness workshop at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife recently.
“The voices of those against the technology are louder while those for the technology are not heard. Scientific evidence should guide the facts about GMOs, therefore it is imperative for scientists to come out of their laboratories and tell Nigerians the inherent benefits of this technology and how it will transform our quest for self-sufficiency in food production,” Ebegba said.
“The global debate on the environmental and health safety issues surrounding the practice and products of modern biotechnology will continue for a long time, but most importantly, the arguments should be based on scientific evidence not rumours, emotions, sympathy or hearsay,” the director general said.
Ebegba who was represented at the workshop by Alex Abutu, stressed that “Nigeria is not in isolation of the global community in bio-safety regulation. The public should trust government’s position on the regulation of modern biotechnology practice and GMOs.”
According to him, the NBMA was established by government as a safety valve that will ensure that the practice of modern biotechnology does not pose any harm to Nigerians or the environment.
“The NBMA is well positioned to effectively manage and ensure safety in the application of modern biotechnology and use of genetically modified organisms in Nigeria, with a view to averting any adverse impacts on human health and the environment,” he further said.
Josephine Okojie
