The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has assured Nigerians of their safety when consuming TELA maize, adding that the safety and health of Nigerians are of topmost importance and that the organization will not compromise on this.
The Head of Information and Public Relations, Gloria Ogbaki, made this disclosure in Abuja while noting that the agency’s attention had been drawn to concerns being raised by Nigerians following the approval and launch of TELA maize in the country.
She explained that a proper risk analysis assessment of the crop was thoroughly conducted by experts and scientists from academia and other relevant agencies to ensure that it was safe for human consumption, taking into serious consideration the concerns of Nigerians because maize is a staple crop that is of great importance to the country.
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Ogbaki highlighted that experts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Standard Organization of Nigeria, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the National Agricultural Seed Council, the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, and some university research centers participated in the certification process.
The NBMA spokeswoman went further to give assurance that every necessary regulatory agency has worked with the internal review process of the agency and that TELA maize has been confirmed to meet required safety standards.
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She urged Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the rigorous evaluation process, saying that TELA maize has been approved based on scientific evidence and that its benefits to farmers are significant.
According to her, NBMA is committed to ensuring transparency, safety, and unbiased decision-making concerning genetically modified organisms.
