By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), yesterday, reassured Nigerians of the safety of consuming TELA maize.
This followed concerns expressed by Nigerians regarding the Agency’s approval and launch of TELA maize in the country.
NBMA, in a statement by its spokesperson, Gloria Ogbaki, said: “NBMA wishes to state that the safety and health of Nigerians are of topmost importance, we will not compromise on this.
“We take into serious cognisance the concerns of Nigerians because maize is a staple crop which is of great importance to the country.
“NBMA is committed to ensuring transparency, safety and unbiased decision-making concerning genetically modified organisms.”
According to Ms Ogbaki, the Agency conducted a proper risk assessment and analysis of the TELA maize to ensure it was safe for human consumption before granting approval.
She further explained that experts and scientists from academia and other relevant agencies thoroughly conducted the risk assessment for the TELA maize.
They ionclude the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS); the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC); and some university research centres also participated in the certification process.
“They worked with our internal review process and confirmed that TELA maize meets safety standards. We urge Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the rigorous evaluation process.
“TELA maize has been approved based on scientific evidence. Its benefits to farmers are significant,” she concluded.
NBMA wishes to state that the safety and health of Nigerians are of topmost importance, we will not compromise on this.
