The recent appointment of Fatima Zuntu as head of the National Biosecurity Management Agency (NBMA) has drawn significant backlash. Stakeholders, including senior officials within the agency, have expressed concerns regarding her qualifications and experience for this critical role.
President Bola Tinubu approved Mrs. Zuntu’s appointment for a four-year term starting April 16, in accordance with Section 5 of the NBMA Act of 2015. The Presidency characterizes her as a public health expert and policy strategist with a proven record in national program implementation. However, the decision has faced scrutiny, especially in light of the recent resignation of her predecessor, Bello Bwari, who stepped down to pursue a senatorial run ahead of the upcoming elections.
Concerns Over Qualifications
Critics argue that Zuntu does not satisfy the legal prerequisites outlined in the 2015 NBMA Act. The Act stipulates that the Director-General should possess a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in biodiversity, biosecurity, or a related discipline, along with a master’s degree or higher in biological sciences or a related field. A review of her publicly available professional history indicates that she may fall short of these criteria, particularly regarding her extensive experience in biosafety and biodiversity management.
The NBMA, established under the 2015 Act, is tasked with regulating modern biotechnology, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It aims to safeguard human, animal, and environmental health while promoting the advantages of biotechnology. The discourse surrounding biotechnology policy in Nigeria has been highly polarized in recent years, with the agency facing increased scrutiny over its handling of GMO approvals.
Instability in Leadership
The recent leadership changes within the NBMA have reignited concerns about the agency’s stability. Over the past three years, there have been multiple leadership transitions. Notably, Agnes Asagbula was dismissed shortly after her 2023 appointment, and Bwari served just six months before his resignation. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration regarding the agency’s inability to secure stable leadership under the current administration, highlighting a trend of instability.
Critiques of the selection process continue to emerge, with claims that experienced candidates within the agency were overlooked. One source remarked, “This woman is about to turn 30 and has no experience at all. What kind of guidance can we expect?” Public sentiment has echoed these concerns, with Nigerian commentator Tosin Arebwa questioning the rationale behind Zuntu’s appointment. He noted that despite graduating as a doctor in 2016, her career reflects a series of short-term roles, casting doubt on her depth of expertise for such a vital position.
Lack of Communication from the Office
Attempts to reach Mrs. Zuntu for comment were unsuccessful. Officials at the NBMA indicated she had not yet returned to work, and they were unable to provide her contact information. Inquiries directed to Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanugu also went unanswered by the time of this report. Premium Times has sought clarification from the President’s office regarding the justification for Mrs. Zuntu’s appointment, especially in light of the NBMA Act’s stringent requirements for relevant experience in biosafety and biodiversity.
Profile of the New Director-General
According to her LinkedIn profile, Zuntu is a Nigerian physician whose experience encompasses clinical practice, public health, and healthcare management. Since January 2021, she has worked part-time as a resident at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, focusing on public health. Additionally, she founded the Suleiman Zuntu Foundation in Abuja in 2020.
Between October 2019 and December 2020, she played a role as a team leader for NNPC HMO’s provider network, overseeing audits, contracts, and credentialing. Her previous positions include a medical officer at the Central Bank of Nigeria from May 2018 to March 2019 and an in-house staff member at the National Hospital in Abuja from January 2017 to January 2018. Mrs. Zuntu holds a Master of Public Health from the University of South Wales, which she completed between 2018 and 2020, as well as an MBBS from the University of Maiduguri, earned in 2016.
