National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has ordered the immediate suspension of four newly registered genetically modified cotton varieties after detecting unauthorized activities and regulatory violations.

In a statement issued by the Agency, the affected transgenic cotton hybrid varieties were listed as MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002.

According to NBMA, regulatory surveillance and compliance monitoring mechanisms revealed serious compliance abnormalities associated with the varieties.

Further verification showed that the 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 mandatory approval of the Agency as stipulated under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015 (as amended).

The Agency also disclosed that confined field trials and related activities involving the transgenic cotton varieties were conducted without prior authorization, inspection, or regulatory oversight by NBMA.

“It stressed that at no time did the Agency grant approval for confined field trials, multi-locational trials, or commercial release of the GM cotton varieties.

NBMA explained that under the provisions of its enabling Act, no individual or institution is permitted to conduct trials or release genetically modified organisms without explicit approval from the Agency, noting that any action outside this framework constitutes a violation of national biosafety regulations.

Following the discovery, NBMA directed the committee responsible for crop variety registration to suspend any further action on the registration and release of the cotton varieties pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

The Agency also indicated that appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions would be applied in accordance with the law.

While assuring the public, NBMA stated that there is currently no evidence of any immediate risk to public health or the environment, adding that necessary steps are being taken to ensure safety and regulatory integrity.

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all modern biotechnology activities in Nigeria comply strictly with national laws and international best practices.

Head of Information and Public Relations at NBMA, Dr. Gloria Ogbaki, said the public would be kept informed as investigations progress.