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By Henry Uche
Stakeholders in the agriculture value chain rose from a consultative workshop in Lagos yesterday with a resolve to tackle the challenges in the sector in order to harvest the golden opportunities embedded in it and ultimately boost food security. The workshop was put together by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), in collaboration with the Programme for Biosafety Systems (PBS), representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Federal Ministry of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture and Brazilian government, among others.
The stakeholders said they were taking strategic steps to ensure that the safety of Nigerians are guaranteed as far as intake of grains and other foods are concerned.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the session, the Director General of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, assured Nigerians that the agency remains operationally transparent and very meticulous in every process and procedure while carrying out the mandates establishing it.
To make foods, plants and the environment safe, she said there was need for importers of seeds and grains to be sensitised on the procedures and processes guiding approval of Genetically Modified (GM) seeds and grains for Food, Feed and Processing (FFP) in Nigeria because the safety of Nigerians, plants, animals and the environment is paramount.
“We are at the forefront of integrating innovative biotechnological advancements into our agricultural practices. The seeds and grains you bring to our tables are not just commodities; they result from rigorous research, dedication and a shared vision for a sustainable future.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency is committed to ensuring that these innovations in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) meet the highest standards of safety and contribute positively to our environmental and economic landscapes. Our role is to facilitate progress while safeguarding our citizens’ health and our ecosystems’ integrity. Together, we can achieve a future where food security and biosafety go hand in hand, ensuring prosperity for all,” she assured.
In his contribution, the Comptroller General of NCS, who was represented by Chief Superintendent A. A. Oluwole, said the Service would sustain its trade facilitation drive through collaboration and enforcement with stakeholders. “We are happy to be part of this effort to ensure the safety of what Nigerians consume, especially those that come through our boarders. Part of what we do is physical examination of imports and we can assure you that we do it painstakingly,” he assured.
For her part, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Deputy Comptroller, Mrs. Adetule Adedoyin, reaffirmed the resolve of the Quarantine Service to prevent exotic pests and diseases from entering into the country as they ensure that all agricultural products are certified safe, fit and proper for import and export as well as safe for human consumption.
“We do prevention. We make sure that all seeds coming in are improved and viable. We issue health certificates to back up those imports and exports. I can say we have done our best to ensure safety.”
“I can score NAQS 60 per cent in preventive measures against import of unsafe seeds and other grains. It’s not only NAQS that is in the ports. Some agents would like to cut corners. While we try to bring positive results, some people are trying to bring out negative results,” she said.
