The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has declared four genetically modified cotton hybrid varieties illegal and unsafe for cultivation in Nigeria. The affected products are Mic 561 Bgii, Mic 563 Bgii, Bioseed-Fiyah Ch1001, and Bioseed-Fiyah Ch1002. According to the agency, these transgenic cotton varieties were not approved under Nigeria's biosafety regulations and pose potential risks to human health and the environment. Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Public Relations at NBMA, confirmed the agency's position in a statement, emphasizing that only approved GM crops may be legally grown or distributed. The agency warned farmers and seed distributors against using or selling the unauthorised hybrids.
The unauthorised release of these GM cotton varieties suggests a gap in seed regulation enforcement. Gloria Ogbaki's statement underscores that NBMA remains the final authority on biosafety approvals. Nigerian farmers risk penalties by planting these unapproved hybrids, even unknowingly. This development signals tighter scrutiny may be coming for agricultural supply chains.
