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Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa
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
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Gombe State have commenced investigation following a deadly clash during a wedding send-off party in Tulmi, Akko Local Government Area, which left one person dead and others injured.
According to a sources, the incident occurred on Feb. 1, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m., when a group of men identified as Wada Hussaini, Ganji Alhaji Idi, Yaya Hussaini, Mohammed Maikudi, Bello Alhaji Idi, and one Tijjani, all from Garin Ardo Usman village, reportedly clashed with Abubakar Usman, 35, and Bello Adamu, 19, at the wedding organized by Godiya Mai Rai.
The confrontation resulted in serious injuries to Abubakar Usman, Bello Adamu, and Wada Hussaini. The injured were rushed to Cottage Hospital Tumu for treatment, but Abubakar Usman was confirmed dead. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The suspects fled the scene following the incident, and police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. Investigation into the case has commenced.
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
By: Zagazola Makama
Two children drowned while swimming in a river on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, police said.
According to sources, the victims, Saminu Mohammed, 12, and Tanimu Danladi, 11, both of Gudum Sayawa, went to a river in the area on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., when the incident occurred.
Police personnel swiftly moved to the scene, evacuated the children, and conveyed them to the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, where they were certified dead by a medical practitioner.
Their remains were later released to their relatives for burial, while investigation into the incident continues.
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
Sokoto police arrest suspected bandits’ informants, financiers, recover rustled cows
By: Zagazola Makama
Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with the Community Guard, has arrested suspected bandits’ informants and financiers and recovered seven rustled cows along with a motorcycle.
Sources said that on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence swooped on Sarma Village in Tangaza Local Government Area, arresting two suspects, Nura Dan Haruna, 20, and Buhari Salah, 18, found in possession of seven stolen cows and a motorcycle without registration number.
The suspects reportedly confessed that they had been sent by Abdullahi Gulum and Dan Iko, both at large, to deliver the cows to Hamza Ibrahim, 56, of Kara Area, Illela, who has also been arrested.
Hamza reportedly admitted that he sold two of the cows last month to Abubakar Muhammad, 31, of Gwadabawa LGA, who was subsequently taken into custody.
Police confirmed that investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Sokoto police arrest suspected bandits’ informants, financiers, recover rustled cows
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
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