On October 29, 2025, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and the Centre for Biosecurity, Biosafety, Infectious Diseases and One Health – Kaduna State University (KASU) at NBMA headquarters, Abuja.
The Vice Chancellor Kaduna State University, Kaduna Professor Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa was represented by Professor Bashir Muhammad Ali the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, the Registrar Barr. Dr. Samira Balarabe, the Director, CEBBIDOH Prof. James Chibueze Igwe and Mal. Audu Jimoh.
Purpose of the MOU
The MOU aims to strengthen collaboration between NBMA and KASU’s Centre for Biosecurity, Biosafety, Infectious Diseases and One Health in areas of research, capacity building, and development in biosafety and biosecurity. This partnership is hoped to enhance Nigeria’s ability to manage biological threats and promote safe handling of biotechnology.
Key Areas of Collaboration
- Research and Development: Joint research projects on biosafety and biosecurity, potentially focusing on emerging infectious diseases and genetically modified organisms.
- Capacity Building: Training programs for professionals in biosafety and biosecurity, leveraging KASU’s academic expertise and NBMA’s regulatory experience.
- Policy Development: Collaborative development of policies and guidelines for biosafety and biosecurity in Nigeria.
- Public Awareness: Joint efforts to educate the public on biosafety and biosecurity issues.
Significance of the Partnership
The MOU signifies a crucial step towards enhancing Nigeria’s biosafety and biosecurity landscape. By pooling resources and expertise within NBMA and KASU to better address biological threats, promote safe biotechnology practices, and contribute to the country’s health and economic security.
Future Implications
The partnership may lead to:
- Enhanced research capabilities in biosafety and biosecurity
- Improved policy frameworks for managing biological risks
- Increased public awareness and engagement on biosafety issues
- Strengthened capacity for responding to biological threats
Given the context of recent collaborations between Nigerian agencies, such as the joint meeting between NBMA and NAFDAC on GMO safety, this MOU aligns with broader efforts to ensure scientific evidence guides regulatory decisions and fosters public trust in food safety regulations.
The DG/CEO of NBMA Barr. Bello Bawa Bwari as part of his 100 days achievement in office inaugurated a technical working group to be chaired by Professor JC Igwe and charged the committee to develop strategic, achievable and implementable plans that could be adopted by the agency within the next 90 days. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to get the record straight with facts and scientific evidence to substantiate the need for Nigeria to adopt GMO. According to his statement, the DG/CEO noted that Biotechnology as a discipline has dual use and it’s incumbent on the NBMA to checkmate possible misuse, particularly among scientists and state actors.
Furthermore, he charged the committee to source for collaboration, training, and develop action plans that will make Nigeria a leading arrow in the field of biosecurity and biosafety understanding that infectious disease has no border and no one is safe until all is safe. Also present at the meeting were principal officers of NBMA including Dr. Agha Ukpai Agha, Acting Director Biosecurity Department, Mrs. Bello Scholastica, Acting Director PRS, Mrs. Hauwa Tahir Jibo, Acting Director Biosafety Enforcement and Operations, and other staff of the agency.