EHCON, NBMA destroy N40m Illegal GMO Cotton Seeds

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA),
on Thursday destroyed 57 cartons of unauthorised transgenic hybrid cotton seeds valued at about N40 million.

The disposal exercise, which was carried out Thursday at a designated dump site in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, involved about 950 kilograms of genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds that were brought into the country without the required regulatory approvals.

Speaking during the exercise, Registrar of EHCON, Dr. Yakubu Baba, described the destruction of the seeds as a proactive step towards curbing the illegal importation of genetically modified and other uncertified seeds into the country.

He said the exercise demonstrated the government’s determination to ensure that only properly certified agricultural products are introduced into Nigeria, in the interest of public health and environmental safety.

Baba reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working with relevant regulatory agencies to protect lives and the environment.

He explained that the seeds were buried rather than incinerated to minimise environmental pollution.

“We did not burn the seeds because we wanted to reduce emissions. That is why they were buried,” he said.
Also speaking, Director-General of NBMA, Dr. Fatima Zuntu, said the destruction followed intelligence gathering, surveillance, compliance monitoring and investigations conducted by the agency.

She disclosed that investigations traced the seeds to Fiyah Global Concept Limited, which allegedly imported and handled the transgenic hybrid cotton seeds without obtaining the approvals required under the NBMA Act and relevant biosafety regulations.

According to Zuntu, the case was a breach of regulatory compliance rather than a public safety incident, stressing that the unauthorised seeds posed no threat to human or animal health or the environment.

She said the agency had imposed administrative sanctions on the company in line with the provisions of the law.

“The action underscores NBMA’s commitment to protecting Nigerians, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring strict compliance with biosafety regulations. No individual, institution or organisation is above the law, and the agency will continue to enforce the regulations without fear or favour,” she said.

Zuntu reaffirmed that NBMA supports scientific research, innovation and the application of modern biotechnology, provided all activities comply with the country’s biosafety framework.

She urged researchers, seed companies, institutions, developers and other biotechnology operators to obtain the necessary approvals before engaging in any activity involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The NBMA boss also appealed to journalists and media organisations to report biosafety issues accurately and responsibly to enhance public understanding and prevent misinformation.

She commended EHCON for its collaboration in the successful disposal exercise and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to protect public health, preserve the environment and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s biosafety regulatory system.