New DG/CEO of NBMA, Bello Bawa Bwari, Assumes Office
Abuja, Nigeria | October 7, 2025
The newly appointed Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Bello Bawa Bwari, has formally assumed office at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the regulatory agency’s leadership.
Bwari, a seasoned legal professional and administrator with deep expertise in environmental law, public administration, and institutional development, was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take over from the former DG/CEO, Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra.
In his inaugural address, the new DG acknowledged the significant milestones achieved by the Agency in ensuring the safe application of modern biotechnology and promoting biosafety practices in Nigeria. He pledged to build on this foundation by strengthening NBMA’s mandate and driving innovation to position Nigeria as a leader in biosafety regulation across Africa.
“The NBMA has come a long way in safeguarding the health of our people and the environment from potential risks of biotechnology. My focus will be on consolidating these gains, deepening stakeholder engagement, and enhancing public trust through transparency and accountability,” Bwari said.
According to Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Public Relations at NBMA, the new DG emphasized his commitment to fostering collaboration with local and international partners, increasing awareness about biosafety protocols, and making regulatory processes more inclusive and efficient.
Bwari’s appointment has been widely welcomed within the scientific, regulatory, and environmental communities, with many expressing optimism about the Agency’s future direction under his leadership.
The NBMA, established in 2015, is responsible for providing regulatory oversight for the safe use of biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria, in line with global best practices and national interests.
As he formally steps into the role, Bello Bawa Bwari is expected to lead the Agency into a new era of innovation-driven regulation while ensuring the safety of the environment, human health, and biodiversity.
