The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ( FCCPC) to effectively protect consumers from unapproved Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms whose DNA has been modified in the laboratory to favour the expression of desired physiological or biological products.
They are produced using scientific methods that include recombinant DNA technology and reproductive cloning.
The Director-General, Dr Rufus Ebegba, of NBMA noted that the essence of the MoU was for collaboration to ensure the protection of consumers from unapproved GMOs.
He said that the MoU was entered for the interest of Nigerians, especially in ensuring their safety from unapproved GMOs.
“ I see the FCCPC as the attorney of consumers, as they have the power to identify products that are safe.
“All government agencies should work hand-in hand with one another to achieve the mandate of government and serve the people well.
“The signing of this MoU today shows that we are one government, serving one people for the good of our economy,’’ he said.
The Executive-Vice Chairman, FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, Corroborated Ebegba’s statements saying it was the responsibility of both agencies to ensure that products in the markets are safe for Nigerians.
“We thank you for the initiative by bringing us to this point as we collaborate to achieve our mandate.
“NBMA roles are important to us. This partnership is the best strategy to protect the interest of Nigerians from unapproved products,” he noted.
FCCPC is a federal agency with the responsibility of regulating tools to monitor and modify behaviour of service providers and manufacturers.
Some of its key areas of operation include complaint resolution, surveillance and enforcement, consumer education, as well as research and strategy. (NAN)
