Frank Tietie, Esq. Executive DirectorCitizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER)
NBMA DG Apoointment: A Correction of Illegality And Triumph of Rule of Law –Tietie
Frank Tietie, Esq. Executive DirectorCitizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has said thst the appointment of Fatima Zuntu as Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is not merely administrative—it is a decisive correction of an earlier illegality and a reaffirmation of the supremacy of the rule of law in Nigeria’s public institutions.
He noted that the development has validated the firm and principled position of the CASER, which consistently maintained that the previous appointment to the office of the DG of NBMA was in clear violation of the agency’s enabling law.
CASER had unequivocally stated that the leadership of NBMA—an institution with a highly technical and scientific mandate—must be occupied by an individual with, at minimum, a Master’s degree in biological sciences or related fields, as stipulated by law. Any deviation from this requirement was not only procedurally defective but fundamentally unlawful.
“Our position was clear: regulatory authority exercised without legal competence undermines the validity of decisions taken and poses risks to national biosafety governance. Accordingly, stakeholders were advised to exercise caution in engaging with a leadership structure that lacked statutory legitimacy.
“That this correction has occurred without litigation underscores the power of reasoned advocacy and the enduring relevance of lawful compliance in governance. It also demonstrates that public institutions can still respond to principled pressure grounded in legality and public interest.
However, this episode according to Tietie exposed troubling lapses. “It is concerning that parts of the scientific community either endorsed or remained silent in the face of a manifest breach of professional and statutory standards. Equally disturbing was the muted response from civil society and gender advocates when a qualified professional, Dr (Mrs) Agnes Asagbra, was removed without any established misconduct and replaced under questionable circumstances.”
The appointment of Fatima Zuntu—reportedly qualified and competent—therefore represents not just a restoration of legality, but also a necessary reset toward merit, professionalism, and institutional integrity. That the position is once again held by a woman further reinforces the principle that competence, not compromise, must guide representation.
CASER reiterated that adherence to the law is not discretionary. It is the foundation upon which credible governance, regulatory certainty, and sustainable development are built.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the biosafety and biotechnology sector to ensure that due process, statutory compliance, and professional standards are upheld at all times,” Tietie said.
