The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) on Monday assured Nigerians of the safety of TELA maize.
“The Attention of the National Biosafety Management Agency has been drawn to the concerns of Nigerians as a result of the approval and launch of TELA maize in Nigeria,” NBMA spokesperson, Gloria Ogbaki said.
“The NBMA takes into serious cognisance the concerns of Nigerians as maize is a staple crop and of great importance to the country.
“We understand that there have been concerns and misinformation circulating about the recently approved TELA Maize in Nigeria.
“We wish to assure Nigerians that this maize variety has been certified to be as safe as its organic or conventional counterpart as there are no chemicals or insecticides laced in them as claimed by some groups in Nigeria.”
Ogbaki said the NBMA is committed to ensuring transparency, safety, and unbiased decision-making regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
She added that the safety and health of Nigerians is of topmost priority and the agency will not compromise on this.
According to Ogbaki, the agency has done a proper risk assessment and analysis were conducted to ensure the safety of this product for human health and the environment.
Ogbaki disclosed that the application for TELA Maize was thoroughly examined by two committees comprising of experts and scientists composed of experts from the various relevant Agencies and the Academia.
These include the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Others are the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASCs), universities, research institutions among others who are renowned professionals in the particular field with Ogbaki adding that the NBMA’s internal review process confirmed that TELA Maize meets safety standards.
She stated that this ensures that the regulatory oversight of GMOs by NBMA meets strict safety standards and poses no adverse risks to health or the environment.
“NBMA acknowledges that there have been misleading claims about TELA Maize, including allegations that it is fake and laced with insecticides/pesticides,” Ogbaki stated.
She said these claims are not based on scientific evidence and are designed to create unnecessary fear and panic in the country as TELA maize was developed by Nigerian scientists in the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR).
Ogbaki added that these scientists and researchers took into cognizance the challenge farmers have faced over the years in the planting of maize.
She further pointed out that this maize variety rather reduces the use of pesticides while boosting productivity thereby having better health benefits.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the rigorous evaluation process. TELA Maize has been approved based on scientific evidence, and its benefits to farmers are significant,” Ogbaki said.
“The health and safety of Nigerians remain our topmost concern. We encourage open dialogue, scientific literacy, and evidence-based discussions.
“Let us work together to ensure food security, sustainable agriculture, and informed decision-making in Nigeria.”
