Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is set to modernize its regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) through the integration of artificial intelligence, QR codes, and blockchain technology. The move marks a significant step in enhancing transparency, traceability, and safety within the country’s biotechnology oversight framework.
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As part of the new system, all GMO products approved for importation or commercialization in Nigeria will carry a unique QR code. These codes will link to a digital database containing essential information about each product, including its origin, regulatory status, biosafety assessments, and certification history. This digital labeling system is designed to provide both regulators and consumers with instant access to verifiable data, reinforcing trust in the national biosafety regime.
Artificial intelligence will play a key role in supporting the agency’s regulatory efficiency. AI-driven tools will be used to automate biosafety risk assessments, detect discrepancies in import documentation, and assist in post-market surveillance. These systems are expected to reduce reliance on manual inspections and improve NBMA’s ability to flag unauthorized or mislabelled GMO products at entry points and retail locations.
Blockchain technology will serve as the foundation of a tamper-proof ledger that records every phase of a GMO product’s lifecycle in Nigeria from research and field trials to commercial distribution. This approach will enhance data integrity across agencies and stakeholders, while also helping to meet international best practices in biosafety monitoring.
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The adoption of these digital tools comes on the heels of NBMA’s broader regulatory expansion. In the past year, the agency has enforced guidelines for low-level GMO presence in imports, conducted compliance checks in supermarkets nationwide, and certified several facilities handling GMO materials. In parallel, it has invested in training over a thousand biosafety officers to bolster national capacity.
The agency plans to introduce the QR code system later this year for newly approved products, while pilot deployments of AI and blockchain platforms are expected to begin in early 2026 at major ports and food processing facilities. Ongoing collaborations with academic institutions and technology partners will support the phased rollout and technical refinement of the initiative.
With this integration of advanced technologies, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in biotechnology regulation on the African continent. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to combine innovation with governance, ensuring that the development and use of GMOs in Nigeria remain safe, sustainable, and transparent.
