The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has destroyed 57 cartons of unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds, weighing approximately 950 kilograms, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce Nigeria’s biosafety regulations and prevent the illegal distribution of genetically modified planting materials.
The destruction exercise was carried out on Thursday at the agency’s designated disposal site in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the NBMA, Dr. Fatima Zuntu, said the operation followed extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, compliance monitoring and investigations conducted by the agency.
According to Zuntu, the seized cotton seeds were found to be unauthorised and in violation of Nigeria’s biosafety laws governing the importation, handling, distribution and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
She explained that the destruction was necessary to prevent the illegal seeds from entering the agricultural value chain and to safeguard farmers, consumers and the environment from potential risks associated with unapproved biotechnology products.
The Director-General reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing the National Biosafety Management Act and ensuring that all genetically modified products introduced into Nigeria comply with established regulatory standards and safety requirements.
She warned individuals and organisations involved in the illegal importation, sale or distribution of unauthorised genetically modified materials to desist from such activities, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Zuntu also urged farmers, seed companies and agro-input dealers to source planting materials only from authorised suppliers and verify that products have received the necessary regulatory approvals before purchase or distribution.
The NBMA reiterated its commitment to strengthening surveillance, compliance monitoring and public awareness to ensure the safe application of modern biotechnology while protecting human health, biodiversity and Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
