By correspondent in Abuja.
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Malam Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, has underscored the vital role of biosafety in achieving environmental sustainability.
He stated this at the 2024 International Biosafety Conference (Biotech24) in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Biosafety: An Indispensable Tool for Achieving Food Security, Health Improvement, and Environmental Sustainability,” was organized by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
In his address, Lawal emphasized that biosafety is integral to addressing global food security challenges, enhancing health outcomes, and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
“Biosafety is not merely a technical concern; it is a foundational element of our collective security, influencing the health of our ecosystems, food systems, and overall community well-being,” he said.
Dr. Agnes Asagbra, Director-General of the NBMA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing global biosafety standards.
“As we confront global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and food insecurity, our commitment to biosafety has never been more urgent. It plays a critical role in safeguarding human health and the environment,” she noted.
The event also featured the presentation of awards of excellence to five distinguished individuals, including Dr. Rufus Ebegba, the pioneering Director-General of NBMA.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.