The Comptroller General (CG), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Vincent Isegbe on the 20th of August, 2024 was received in audience by the Director General, Nigeria Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra.
During the official visit, the CG Dr. Isegbe emphasized the cordial and long-standing working relationship that has existed between NAQS and NBMA over the years. The CG also recounted the handover of the components relating to the handling of Genetically modified Organisms to NBMA by the NAQS as part of the relationship between the two agencies. He further emphasized the need to deepen collaboration for effective service delivery.
In her response, the DG, NBMA Dr. Asagbra expressed her pleasure over the visit, describing the CG NAQS as a brother. The DG expressed the urgent need to revisit the Memorandum of Understanding between NAQS and NBMA which is fast becoming obsolete given emerging new trends. The DG also requested collaboration with NAQS for the training of some officers of the NBMA.
Speaking further, Dr Asagbra called for collaboration between both agencies to fight the influx of agricultural products that are unfit for human consumption, insisting that Nigeria cannot be a dumping ground for unhealthy products.
In his reaction, the CG NAQS agreed to provide the necessary support for the training of officers, stressing that the NAQS training school in Ibadan was equipped with the required facilities to enhance training. The CG also accepted the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies.
The CG was accompanied by the Head of Laboratory Management Services, ACGQ. Ebenezer Idachaba, the Head of Animal Quarantine Department, ACGQ. Dr. Emeka Asiegbu and the Head of Procurement Department, Dr. Barry Nyodee.