The final review and presentation of the National Review and Validation of the draft National Biosafety Policy and Action Plan was held on 29 September, 2021. The Director General of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Egbegba, in his welcome remarks, thanked the stakeholders for their various contributions and support, adding that the validation of the biosecurity policy is a major step that has been collectively taken to ensure the security of Nigerians. Dr Egbegba indicated that the draft policy document was adopted for validation at the technical meeting.
Delivering his goodwill message, the ES of ARCN, Prof. Garba Sharubutu mni, heartily congratulates the DG for this feat. The ES reiterated that, while laws protect the system, it takes good policies to effectively drive the system. Prof. Sharubutu, however, affirmed that this biosafety policy will contribute to strengthening the One health programme in Nigeria. The ES added further that the ARCN will collaborate with the NBMA by airing its content on ARCN TV and Radio, which were recently approved by Mr. President. “We shall welcome research in the areas of environmental issues as it affects agriculture from the agency for consideration and possible sponsorship under the Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme (CARGS)”, Prof. Sharubutu stated. The climax of the occasion was the presentation of the draft biosafety policy document to the representative of the Hon. Minister of state, Federal Ministry of Environment, for onward transmission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
