The Director General of, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has debunked her previous remarks on the safety of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) crops approved by the Federal Government through the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
This was disclosed in a meeting brokered by the Minister of state in the ministry of Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, over the weekend in Abuja. The meeting was called to resolve the disagreement that ensued between NAFDAC and NBMA at the heel of the commercialization of the TELA maize crop approved by the Biosafety agency.
Speaking the Director General, NBMA Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, asserted that GMO crops permit are not issued in Nigeria without NAFDAC approval since NAFDAC, a few weeks back had disassociated itself from approving TELA maize biotechnology crop for cultivation following its commercial approval for cultivation by the federal government.
In a statement on Sunday, the Spokesperson for Biosafety Agency, Gloria Ogbaki, said: “In response to recent public concerns regarding Genetically Modified (GM) foods, a pivotal meeting was convened by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, bringing together the Director-General/CEO of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra and The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof Mojisola Adeyeye.
The Minister urged for a collaborative approach to address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety.
In her response, the DG of NAFDAC stated that her previous remarks on GM foods were misunderstood, emphasising NAFDAC’s commitment to safety. She also reaffirmed the agency’s rigorous safety standards, stating that no GM foods will be approved without thorough scientific safety assessments.
Ogbaki, said: “Key Resolutions from the meeting include: Establishing a Technical Working Group (TWG) between NBMA and NAFDAC. Developing Terms of Reference for the TWG and setting up a secretariat.
“Referring applicants to NBMA before processing by NAFDAC. Continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labelling. Enhancing capacity building and training exchanges. Joint efforts in IT and Global Listing initiatives.
“The meeting which was aimed to reinforce collaboration between the two agencies to ensure a unified message on food safety, marks a significant step towards unified governance in food safety and public health in Nigeria.
“Both agencies remain committed to ensuring that scientific evidence guides their actions, fostering public trust in food safety regulations.”
In addition, the DG of NBMA appreciated the Minister for the meeting and highlighted the historical collaboration between NBMA and NAFDAC, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in 2017.
According to her, the Minister emphasised the importance of consistent communication among government agencies to alleviate public fears.
He noted the need for a collaborative approach to address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety.
Both DGs said that by working together, “we reaffirm our commitment to science, environmental protection and safeguarding the health of the nation.”