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Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa

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Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Agnes Asagbra has said that the agency is ready to upgrade its technology in order to continue to be top biosafety and biotechnology regulatory body on the continent.

Asagbra, who address a press conference on Tuesday on achievements of the agency in recent time, said: “Nigeria’s biosafety processes are on par with, if not ahead of, those in other African countries like Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Our agency has received international recognition for its robust regulatory framework, which serves as a model for biosafety and biotechnology regulation across the continent.

“These countries also have robust biosafety regulations but our Biosafety system still ranks high because of the top notch international standard that is applied. For instance, Kenya has been at the forefront of GMO research and commercialization in Africa, with its National Biosafety Authority approving the environmental release of Bt cotton. Similarly, South Africa has been growing GMO crops since 1997 and has a well-established regulatory system.”

She said: “We are top here in Africa but not ready to rest on our oars. We want to upgrade on our technology in order to be on top of our trade.”

She explained that: “The Biosafety Law in Nigeria is more than just legislation; it’s a commitment to the nation’s sustainable future. It ensures that as Nigeria harnesses the benefits of modern biotechnology, it does so responsibly, with the utmost regard for the health of its people and the environment.”

Asagbra appealed that: “Let us embrace the advancements in safe modern biotechnology with an informed perspective. Let us trust in the rigorous processes that have been established to protect us all. Together, we can move towards a future where food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth go hand in hand.”

She noted that the establishment of the NBMA has led to the development of biosafety frameworks of international standards, including a GMO detection and analysis laboratory, national biosafety policies, and regulatory instruments, insisting that: “These measures have positioned Nigeria as a leader in biosafety regulation in Africa, influencing other countries’ biosafety practices.”

Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa

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Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

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Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected bandits have killed two persons, injured one and abducted a woman during an attack on Rimi Kamazo community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred on Dec. 28 at about 11:50 a.m. when an unspecified number of armed bandits invaded the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.

Victims of the attack were identified as Zainab Amos Bagoro, 55, and Aminu Amos Bagoro, 25, who were shot and fatally injured. Another victim, Gayus Amos Bagoro, sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The attackers also abducted Justina Abednego, 25, and took her to an unknown destination.

Sources said security operatives received information about the attack at about 2:00 a.m. on Dec. 29 and immediately mobilised to the area in collaboration with other security agencies.

The injured victims were rushed to hospital for medical attention, where the two critically injured persons were confirmed dead, while the surviving victim is receiving treatment at St. Gerald Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna.

The corpses of the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Security forces have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted woman and track down the perpetrators, while investigations into the incident have commenced.

Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

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Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

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Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast three suspected motorcycle thieves were killed by a mob while the office of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was raised in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the Danmaje Quarters Divisional Office of the NSCDC in Dawakin Kudu.

According to sources , personnel of the NSCDC attached to the office had earlier arrested three suspects over alleged motorcycle theft.

The source said that following the arrest, angry youths armed with dangerous weapons mobilised in large numbers and stormed the NSCDC office, demanding that the suspects be released to them for lynching.

“They overpowered the NSCDC personnel, chased them out of the office and set both the office and the suspects ablaze,” the source said.

Sources said the scene was later visited by security operatives, while the victims were rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where they were certified dead by medical personnel.

The corpses were subsequently deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

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NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

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NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

By: Michael Mike

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, following findings of severe air pollution linked to the facility’s operations.

NESREA said the action was taken after investigations confirmed that the plant was emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere in breach of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.

The regulations require industries to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production methods to minimize environmental and health risks.

A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor on Tuesday, said the level of emissions from the Sunseed Oil facility posed a direct threat to the surrounding environment and residents in nearby communities, prompting immediate intervention to halt further damage.

She noted that the enforcement exercise reflects the agency’s resolve to ensure that industrial operators comply with environmental standards and to protect the public from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial emissions and effluents.

Commenting on the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned companies operating across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental laws.

He stressed that the agency would continue to take decisive action against facilities whose operations endanger public health or degrade the environment.

NESREA reiterated its commitment to regular monitoring and enforcement, noting that environmental protection remains a critical component of sustainable development in Nigeria.

NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

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