NIGERIA – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has partnered with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to conduct a series of trainings aimed to enlighten participants on the science of agricultural biotechnology and the regulatory frameworks in Nigeria.
Through these strategic trainings, USDA reiterated its support for agricultural biosafety in Nigeria to boost food safety for the populace.
The partners have already conducted a he second edition of the training workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of journalists and social media influencers in Nigeria on the effective reportage of biosafety and biotechnology developments.
The workshop focused on equipping media professionals with the skills to accurately communicate complex biosafety issues, thereby promoting scientific literacy and countering non-science-based narratives surrounding agricultural biotechnology.
During the workshop, NBMA director-general, Dr. Agnes Asagbra emphasised the importance of accurate and informed communication in biotechnology.
She also provided a background on the NBMA’s mandate, which includes establishing regulatory frameworks and safety measures for modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Agricultural Counselor at the USDA Chris Bielecki lauded Nigeria’s leadership in developing and evaluating new crop varieties using modern agricultural biotechnology.
He stated that the training aimed to enlighten participants on the science of agricultural biotechnology and the regulatory frameworks established by the NBMA to ensure the safe use and application of these technologies.
Bielecki also referred back to the symposium, titled “Sharing is Believing,” which provided a platform for Nigerian agricultural biotechnology researchers and experts to share advances, discuss challenges, and debunk myths and misconceptions about the technology.
Similarly, programme officer at the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria chapter Abraham Isah encouraged journalists to trust the work of scientists, particularly in the field of GM crops and animals.
He highlighted that science is grounded in data and research and journalists should rely on the findings of scientists to inform their reporting.
“Evolving technologies such as biotechnology often face misconceptions due to personal interests. However, I urge journalists to trust in the work of scientists who conduct thorough research, as they are best positioned to provide accurate information,” Isah stated.
Nigeria continues to emerge as a leader in Africa’s adoption of crop biotechnology, approving insect-resistant and drought-tolerant TELA maize for open cultivation.
The improved maize joins insect-resistant Bt cotton and pod borer-resistant Bt cowpea as genetically modified (GM) crops that can help Nigeria’s smallholder farmers reduce pesticide use, increase yields, support food security and respond to climate extremes.
The TELA maize project, previously known as Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA), is a public-private partnership that has developed both GM and conventional maize hybrids that provide drought resistance.
