The Federal Government, through the National Biosafety Management Agency, has declared four genetically modified cotton varieties illegal and unsafe for use in Nigeria after finding that they were processed without proper approval.
The affected products are Mic 561 Bgii, Mic 563 Bgii, Bioseed-Fiyah Ch1001, and Bioseed-Fiyah Ch1002.
The agency said its monitoring and compliance checks revealed that the cotton varieties were registered and moved forward by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries without getting the required clearance from NBMA.
According to the biosafety agency, the approval required under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 was not obtained before the registration process.
It also stated that field trials involving the cotton varieties were carried out without permission, inspection, or regulatory supervision.
NBMA explained that no approval was given for confined trials, multi-location testing, or commercial release of the genetically modified cotton.
It added that carrying out such activities without authorization goes against national biosafety rules.
Following the findings, the agency ordered the suspension of any further steps linked to the registration and release of the cotton varieties while investigations continue.
It also warned that proper regulatory actions and penalties may follow based on the outcome of the probe.
The agency reassured the public that there is no confirmed immediate danger to health or the environment from the products at this time.
It said the ongoing review is aimed at maintaining safety standards and ensuring compliance with the law.
Wike reveals candidate he’ll support in 2027
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will support a southern candidate for president.
Wike made this known during a media parley where he spoke on recent political moves and alliances ahead of future elections.
He also revealed that Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed will not join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former Rivers Governor said Bala Mohammed has decided to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Candidate profile analysis
According to him, Bala had earlier made his position clear, insisting he would not defect to the ADC but would stay back in the PDP.
Wike added that Bala also indicated his willingness to work with Tinubu despite being a member of the opposition party.
The former Rivers State governor also revealed details of past conversations, saying that in 2022, Bala had confided in him about his strained relationship with Atiku Abubakar.2027 election analysis
He said Bala had told him that Atiku was not on good terms with him and that working together would be difficult.
