Nigerian Senate Passes Biosafety Bill

Nigerian senators have unanimously adopted the report of the joint committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Science and Technology on the National Biosafety Management Agency establishment bill 2015, as presented by Senators Emmanuel Bwacha and Robert Borriface on February 27, 2015.

The agency will regulate the safe use, handling and transport of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and products in the country. It prescribes procedures for the movement, risk assessment, and adoption of any GMO and penalties for contravening the law.

The bill was piloted by the federal Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders who had argued that the "absence of biosafety law had made it difficult for the agency to effectively perform its statutory functions and bring the benefits of the technology to Nigeria."

Speaking at a press conference organized in appreciation of the passing of the bill by the senate, the entire members and staff of the National Biotechnology Development Agency in collaboration with the federal Ministry of Environment, Program for Biosafety System and other stakeholders appreciated the Nigerian Senate for passing its biosafety bill.

The bill has been considered in the House of Representatives on third reading and final passage, awaiting the final assent by the Nigerian President.

For more information, contact Dr. Rose S.M. Gidado, head, OFAB & Biotechnology Awareness Unit at the National Biotechnology Development Agency at roxydado@yahoo.com.