By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A Molecular Biologist at the Niger Delta University, Professor Tatfeng Mirabeau, has raised alarm over gaps in the existing Biosafety legislation in the country.
He made the observation at a one day Judiciary training on GMO and State of biosafety in Nigeria, organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) in Abuja.
He said the existing laws on importation of GMOs in the country does not provide for liability and leaves the sector open to abuse.
Prof Mirabeau noted that GMOs distort the natural cycle, hence raises environmental, ecological and health concerns.
He further warned that attempts by some individuals to dabble into gene editing, synthetic biology or genetic engineering signals a threat to the country’s biodiversity and could lead to the extinction of species and naturally endowed varieties.
‘‘We are still struggling with the regulation of basic aspects of Biosafety but regulators want to dabble into genetic engineering, ‘gene drive’ organisms which has the potential of wiping off whole species of organisms.
‘‘We note that this is unnatural, poses a severe threat to nature, the health of the people, our biodiversity and ecological systems as well as jeopardises our environmental sustainability.
‘‘The Act has major fundamental flaws such as the absence of strict liability and redress in case of damage to environment arising from the release of GMOs, the composition of the Board- NABDA with no farmers or consumers, poor access to information for consumers, lack of mandatory and clear labelling of GM products, infringing on the peoples ‘Right to Know’, and apparent conflict of interests’’.
He observed that the NBMA often endorses activities of GMO promoters rather than actually regulating them.
Speaking to journalists, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Director of the Ecological Think-Tank at HOMEF called for better understanding of the issues of GMO by members of the bar and bench.
‘‘It is important that all stakeholders have a deep understanding of the implications of this technology to ensure informed decisions both in the legislative, judicial and executive arm of government.
‘‘We need judges to better interpret and apply biosafety regulations that align with both legal principles and public safety,” Nnimmo noted.
Director of Programme, HOMEF, Mrs Joyce Brown said the workshop was an opportunity for the the judiciary to have all the resources and right information to be able to make better decisions with regard to GMOs and cases that may arise in the
