Minister Unveils Approved Biosecurity Policy Document

The Minister of State for Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, has said that the National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan has been articulated to reinvigorate the country’s commitment to the protection of National sovereignty, human and biodiversity security and the wellbeing of it’s citizens.

According to a press statement by Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Media and Communications, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), IMrs. keazor made the remarks at the unveiling of the National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan 2022-2026, in Abuja.

The Minister noted that the policy will help in improving areas of infrastructure, technology and advocacies as frontiers to ensure prevention and preparedness to Biothreats.

She eulogized the NBMA for its great achievements over the last few years of existence.

“NBMA is always making Nigeria proud and this policy document reflects it, also occupying an enviable position in the meeting of biosafety matters in Africa is a worthwhile achievement any Federal Agency should aspire.
“I am honestly happy to unveil this policy document today as I look forward to seeing full implementation of it and all relevant agencies should please, encourage implementation of this policy document for our common good,” Ikeazor said.

The Director General/CEO NBMA at the unveiling and presentation of the approved biosecurity policy document and Action Plan hinted that the determination and commitment of the federal government to secure the country has placed Nigeria among community of nations working assiduously to overcome bio-threats.

‘’Today we proudly provide for ourselves a national biosecurity policy document which is in line with stipulation of the NBMA Act as amended’’.

Dr Ebegba also ascribed this great feat to the diligence of the staff and the endless support the Agency gets from various organizations from within and outside Nigeria.

He added that NBMA will ensure the realization of its mandate by developing more measures and guidelines that will enforce compliance of the NBMA Act which encourages the activities of modern biotechnology to enhance national economy.

The representative of the World Health Organization Rex Mpazanye in a goodwill message rated Nigerian Biosafety system the best so far on the African continent as he encouraged the National body to keep up the momentum.

Mpazanye said: ‘’The WHO is ever ready to continue supporting NBMA in achieving its regulatory mandate’’.

In the same vein, the acting High Commissioner of the Canadian Embassy Mr. Kevin Tokar stated that the long relationship between Nigeria and Canada remains sustained as he noted how Canada had contributed so much in the effort to fight COVID-19 recently.

Others in attendance at the auspicious event were service chiefs, heads of security Agencies, Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, development partners, various government Ministries, Agencies and department, and various stakeholders in attendance.