By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, Agnes Asagbara, has expressed optimism to promote Genetically modified organisms, GMOs, cross border trading.

The DG while urging stakeholders to foster communication and collaborations amongst themselves to ensure its success, said this during a consultative workshop with border agencies, organized by NBMA, in collaborations with Program for Biosafety Systems (PMS) on Tuesday  in Abuja.

Agnes while restating the agencies commitment, said, Nigeria, as a nation, stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and the field of biosafety is no exception.

She noted that despite all the country’s achievements in the sector, challenges persist in GM cross border trading.

She said, “Over the years, we have encountered various challenges and successes in this endeavor, and we must share our experiences to foster collective learning and improvement.Despite our achievements, we recognize that challenges persist in the realm of GM cross-border trade.

“From logistical complexities to varying interpretations of biosafety regulations, navigating the landscape of international trade presents multifaceted challenges. However, it is through acknowledging and addressing these challenges head-on that we pave the way for meaningful progress and innovation in biosafety management.

“In navigating the complexities of GM cross-border trade, Nigeria has implemented robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. The National Biosafety Management Agency, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has diligently worked to safeguard human health, biodiversity, and the environment while promoting innovation and sustainable development.

“Moreover, Nigeria’s experience underscores the importance of collaboration and information-sharing among border agencies. Effective coordination and communication are essential in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of GMOs across borders, while simultaneously upholding stringent biosafety standards.In our pursuit of effective biosafety management, inclusive engagement is paramount.

“We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and expertise in shaping comprehensive solutions to biosafety challenges. Therefore, we are committed to fostering collaborative partnerships and platforms for dialogue among border agencies, government entities, academia, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations.

“By harnessing the collective wisdom and experiences of all stakeholders, we can enhance our collective capacity and drive positive change in GM cross-border trade management.Central to Nigeria’s biosafety management approach is our unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance.

“We have established robust frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence to national and international biosafety regulations and standards. Through rigorous monitoring, inspection, and certification processes, we strive to safeguard human health, biodiversity, and the environment while facilitating responsible GM cross-border trade.” She said.

In his remarks, Assistant Director, Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) Netherlands, John Komen hailed Nigeria on its achievement on GMOs trading.

John said 3000 scientific studies found GMOs are safe for humans, animal and environment.

He stressed on the growing need for regional collaborations and data exchange with others, especially countries who are yet to adopt GMOs .