Agnes Asagbra, Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), has revealed that nine institutions across Nigeria have been certified to carry out activities involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and animal feed,with the aim of strengthening biosafety measures and ensuring the proper regulation of agricultural biotechnology.
Asagbra, who disclosed this during a press briefing to commemorate her two-year anniversary in office in Abuja, emphasized that the move is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and the environment, while also leveraging science and technology to boost food production in the country.
She stated that the certified institutions, comprising research centres and private sector facilities, have fulfilled the agency’s strict requirements for biosafety, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.
According to her, “several of these institutions are now conducting confined field trials of gene-edited crops under the agency’s supervision.
These include the University of Calabar, which is studying gene-edited rice; the National Root Crops Research Institute (NCRI) in Umudike, which is focusing on gene-edited cassava; and the National Institute for Horticultural Research (NIHORT), which is preparing to launch its gene-editing initiatives. Additionally, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) is trialling a pest-resistant variety of cowpea, commonly referred to as “Maruca-resistant beans,” named after the pest that frequently attacks the crop.
She explained that before any research is approved, the agency conducts a comprehensive evaluation of laboratories to ensure they meet stringent biosafety requirements. This includes confirming that Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) are established to monitor compliance and reporting procedures.
Asagbra pointed out that the agency’s mandate goes beyond enforcing regulations. “NBMA also plays a supportive role by offering technical guidance, conducting initial assessments, and performing follow-up inspections to ensure ongoing adherence and encourage safe scientific advancement.
“The certification grants these organisations the authority to undertake work involving genetically modified and gene-edited crops, including the handling, processing, and importation of GMO-related materials. This approval was based on detailed inspections to confirm the presence of systems for traceability, contamination control, and secure infrastructure.
“These measures are in line with Nigeria’s broader agricultural strategy aimed at increasing crop productivity through trials of improved varieties such as rice, cassava, and cowpea. These crops are designed to produce higher yields, resist pests more effectively, and minimise the need for chemical treatments. Under NBMA’s oversight, such initiatives represent critical progress toward a more resilient and sustainable food supply chain.
In addition to academic and research bodies, the certification also extends to agribusinesses involved in importing GMO grains, producing vegetable oil, and manufacturing feed for livestock.”
Asagbra also disclosed that a recent nationwide monitoring exercise revealed that 32 supermarkets were selling GMO products that did not meet Nigeria’s labeling requirements.
While the majority of imported items complied with international standards, some domestically produced goods were found to contain genetically modified ingredients without proper disclosure.
She stated that the agency has already reached out to the companies involved, emphasizing that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse under the nation’s biosafety regulations.
“To close enforcement gaps and improve regulatory oversight, NBMA is in the final stages of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This partnership is designed to enhance cooperation on issues such as GMO labelling, food import controls, and compliance checks.
“Over the past year, NBMA has boosted national capacity in biosafety by training more than 1,470 professionals, including scientists, customs personnel, and key industry actors, in areas such as biosafety assessment, environmental risk analysis, and adherence to regulatory standards.
Asagbra pointed out the agency’s expanding role in advancing national biosecurity. In partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser and INTERPOL, NBMA contributed to the creation of the National Biosecurity Advisory Committee and is actively rolling out the National Biosecurity Action Plan (2022–2026), which is designed to tackle biological risks—whether they arise naturally, by accident, or through deliberate actions.
She emphasised that NBMA’s core mandate is to safeguard public health and the environment, while also fostering scientific progress essential to achieving Nigeria’s food security goals.
