An agency of the Federal Government, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) at the weekend declared four new genetically modified organisms (GMO) cotton hybrid varieties in Nigeria illegal and dangerous to health.
The products include Mic 561 Bgii, Mic 563 Bgii, Bioseed-Fiyah Ch1001 and Bioseed-Fiyah Ch1002.
According to a statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations of NBMA, Gloria Ogbaki, affirmed that through its regulatory surveillance and compliance-monitoring mechanisms, the agency has identified serious compliance abnormalities in the varieties.
Subsequent verification, she said, has established that the cotton varieties were registered by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries on March 26, 2026 without the requisite approval of NBMA, as required under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended).
Further findings confirmed that confined field trials and related activities involving the transgenic varieties were conducted without prior authorisation, inspection, or regulatory oversight by the agency.
“At no time did NBMA grant any approval for the confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of the new genetically modified cotton varieties.
“Under the NBMA Act, it is instructive to note that no person or institution is permitted to conduct confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or the commercial release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) without the explicit approval of NBMA. Any action taken outside this framework constitutes a violation of national biosafety regulations,” she said.
Ogbaki explained that NBMA has directed the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries to suspend any further action on the registration and release of the varieties pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
“The agency will apply all appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions as provided under the law,” the NBMA said, assuring all Nigerians that the agency will handle this matter with all seriousness.
“There is no evidence at this time of any immediate risk to public health or the environment and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure continued safety and regulatory integrity.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency remains committed to ensuring that all modern biotechnology activities in Nigeria are conducted in strict compliance with national laws and international best practices.
“The public will be kept informed as the investigations progress” the statement assured.
