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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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Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense

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Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense

Adamawa State High Court IV sitting in Yola on Wednesday adjourned a case challenging the Adamawa government for the creation of the Fufore emirate council from Adamawa emirate to November 3rd and 4th for defense.

Justice Musa Usman who presided over the case said, this at the end of two days hearing from the principal witness, plaintiffs.

The case which was filed by the three traditional titles holders of Adamawa emirate; Alhaji Musa Halilu, Dujuma Adamawa, Mustapha Dahiru, Yarima Adamawa and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmadu, Sarki Noma Adamawa that due process was not followed before the creation of Fufore emirate.

Manga Nurudeen (SAN), counsel to the plaintiffs, told newsmen at the end of the seating that they had called four witnesses in the case and concluded.

“As you may have seen, the court has adjourned to 3rd and 4th of November for the defense, for the government and the new airmen to bring their own witnesses to be cross examined.

The defense counsel, state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Afraimu Jingi, also said they have successfully taken the evidence of the plaintiffs during the two days of seating.

“They listed five witnesses they were able to call four and they closed their case.

“And fortunately we have been able to answer the questions to our mind that we thought we can discredit them to our mind which is left to the court to determine”, he said.

According to him, they were satisfied with the proceedings and they do not have any burden on them as the next agenda will be defense.

Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense

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NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

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NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening grassroots security and community-based intelligence across the country as tools for tackling insecurity.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi gave the commitment during his working visit of Anambra State as part of his continued strategic operational tour of the South East.

Audi, who was received by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, noted that his visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of personnel, understanding field challenges, and reinforcing the Corps’ operational capacity in the region.

Speaking during the courtesy call at the Government House, Awka, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s proactive efforts in maintaining peace and stability. He also solicited greater logistical and infrastructural support to enhance the NSCDC’s performance in the state.

He said: “Security must begin from the grassroots. That is where the people live, work, and build the future. The Corps remains resolute in delivering quality service and ensuring that the confidence of Nigerians, particularly Ndi Anambra, in our operations is not misplaced.”

Soludo, in his response, commended the NSCDC for its professionalism, discipline, and resilience, especially in safeguarding critical national assets and public infrastructure.

He said: “Here in Anambra, the Light of the Nation, our greatest asset is our people: creative, enterprising, and innovative. They are the engine of our economy. Ensuring their safety and prosperity is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the NSCDC for standing firm in that mission.”

The governor pledged continued partnership and support for the Corps, affirming that security remains the foundation for the state’s economic growth and innovation-driven development.

The Commandant General’s tour of Anambra is part of a nationwide operational assessment aimed at improving welfare, operational readiness, and synergy among security stakeholders. It underscores the NSCDC’s renewed focus on community trust, proactive engagement, and service excellence under Prof. Audi’s leadership.

NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

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Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara

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Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have rescued three kidnapped women following a gun battle with bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum road in Anka Local Government Area.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Oct. 7, when armed bandits blocked the highway and attacked a Golf vehicle with registration number RBC 22 ABUJA.

The assailants abducted the driver and three passengers before the arrival of the Anti-Kidnapping team led by Insp. Ibrahim Ubandoma.

The security team engaged the bandits in a fierce shootout, overpowering them and rescuing the three abducted passengers unhurt.

The rescued victims were identified as Lantana Abubakar, aged 70; Fatima Muhammad, aged 45; and Suwaiba Muhammad, aged 40, all residents of Gummi town in Gummi Local Government Area.

The victims were safely escorted to Anka town by the security team.

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted driver, as patrol operations continue in the area.

Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara

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