NBMA Orders Immediate Suspension of New GM Cotton Varieties
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has issued a public alert regarding the registration of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties in Nigeria. The varieties in question are MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002. Through its regulatory surveillance and compliance-monitoring mechanisms, the agency identified serious compliance abnormalities associated with these genetically modified organisms.
Unauthorized Registration and Trials
Subsequent verification by the NBMA established that the cotton varieties were registered by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries on March 26, 2026. This registration occurred without the requisite approval from the NBMA, as mandated under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended). Further investigations confirmed that confined field trials and related activities involving these transgenic varieties were conducted without prior authorisation, inspection, or regulatory oversight by the agency.
The NBMA has stated unequivocally that at no time did it grant any approval for the confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of these new GM cotton varieties. Under the NBMA Act, it is explicitly prohibited for any person or institution to conduct such activities without the explicit approval of the agency. Any action taken outside this legal framework constitutes a clear violation of national biosafety regulations.
Regulatory Response and Measures
In response to these identified issues, the NBMA has directed the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries to suspend any further action on the registration and release of these varieties. This suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into the matter.
The agency has emphasised that it will apply all appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions as provided under the law to address the violations. The NBMA assures all Nigerians that it is handling the situation with the utmost seriousness to uphold biosafety standards.
Safety Assurance and Ongoing Monitoring
At this time, the NBMA has indicated that there is no evidence of any immediate risk to public health or the environment from these GM cotton varieties. However, the agency is taking all necessary steps to ensure continued safety and regulatory integrity. This includes enhanced monitoring and compliance checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The suspension serves as a precautionary measure while investigations proceed, highlighting the agency's commitment to enforcing biosafety protocols and protecting national interests in agricultural biotechnology.
