The Federal Government has revealed that it is developing a biosecurity policy alongside the World Health Organization (WHO). The FG also added that the policy recommendations should be approved before the end of the year.
This was disclosed by Dr Rufus Ebegba, Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) on Tuesday, in Abuja, at the second national review meeting of the draft National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Dr Ebegba said, “We will (therefore) work with our partners to have a robust national biosecurity policy that would meet our national aspirations and also world standard.
“We are hoping that by the end of the year, it will become our national policy on biosecurity. We all owe this country a responsibility to ensure that this document comes out sound and meets international standards.
“The agency will meticulously ensure that the review process, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, will have the Federal Executive Council taking a critical look at it and taking a decision.”
He also added that the issue of biosecurity does not recognise boundaries. Stating that the world must stand together to ensure that infectious organisms are properly contained. He urged stakeholders to see the national biosecurity policy as a major national assignment to minimise risks of biological threats in Nigeria.
The WHO said it will continue to support the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that the policy document is completed before the end of this year, and become a working document.
