By Simeon Shodimu
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has notified the public of recent developments regarding the registration of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties in Nigeria – MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002.
The agency’s regulatory surveillance and compliance-monitoring mechanisms, identified serious compliance abnormalities in these varieties. According to Guardian online of 3rd April, 2026.
Subsequent verification according to the report established that the cotton varieties were registered by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries on March 26, 2026 without the requisite approval of NBMA, as required under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended).
The report says, further findings confirmed that confined field trials and related activities involving these transgenic varieties were conducted without prior authorisation, inspection, or regulatory oversight by the agency, stating that at no time did the agency grant any approval for the confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of the new GM cotton varieties.
Under the NBMA Act, it is instructive to note that no person or institution is permitted to conduct confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or the commercial release of genetically modified organisms without the explicit approval of NBMA. Any action taken outside this framework constitutes a violation of national biosafety regulations.
In response to these issues highlighted, the agency has directed the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries to suspend any further action on the registration and release of these varieties pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The agency will apply all appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions as provided under the law.
The NBMA assures all Nigerians that the agency is handling the matter with all seriousness. There is no evidence at this time of any immediate risk to public health or the environment and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure continued safety and regulatory integrity. The report says.
