NBMA flags irregularities in approval of four GM cotton varieties

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has identified irregularities in the approval of four genetically modified cotton varieties, raising compliance concerns.

NBMA, in a statement made available to BusinessDay, raised concern about the registration of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties in Nigeria – MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002.

The agency noted that through its regulatory surveillance and compliance-monitoring mechanisms, it identified serious compliance abnormalities in these varieties.

“Subsequent verification established that the cotton varieties were registered by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries on the 26th of March 2026 without the requisite approval of NBMA, as required under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended),” the statement said.

Read also: https://businessday.ng/agriculture/article/why-nigeria-should-stop-importing-ethanol-its-cassava-produces/

According to NBMA, further findings confirm that confined field trials and related activities involving these transgenic varieties were conducted without prior authorization, inspection, or regulatory oversight.

“At no time did the National Biosafety Management Agency grant any approval for the confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of the new GM cotton varieties,” the statement said.

“Under the NBMA Act, it is instructive to note that no person or institution is permitted to conduct confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or the commercial release of genetically modified organisms without the explicit approval of NBMA,” it explained.

“Any action taken outside this framework constitutes a violation of national biosafety regulations,” it noted.

The statement, signed by Gloria Ogbaki, head of information & public relations at NBMA, stated that the agency has formally instructed the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries to halt any steps toward the registration and release of these varieties. This suspension will remain in effect while NBMA conducts a thorough investigation into the approval process, compliance issues, and potential regulatory breaches.

“The agency will apply all appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions as provided under the law.”

NBMA assured Nigerians that it is handling this matter with seriousness, saying there is no evidence at this time of any immediate risk to public health or the environment, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure continued safety and regulatory integrity.

“The National Biosafety Management Agency remains committed to ensuring that all modern biotechnology activities in Nigeria are conducted in strict compliance with national laws and international best practices,” the statement said. “The public will be kept informed as the investigations progress,” it added.