By Muhammad Amaan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. Fatima Suleiman Zuntu as the new Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), effective April 16, 2026.
The announcement was made on April 20 in a press statement signed by Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Dr. Zuntu, a seasoned public health professional and policy strategist, is widely regarded for her experience in designing and implementing national programmes, particularly in areas related to health systems strengthening, regulatory frameworks, and public sector reforms.
With a career spanning public health administration and policy development, she has contributed to several initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes, enhancing regulatory compliance, and promoting evidence-based decision-making in Nigeria.
The NBMA is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safe application of modern biotechnology, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in line with national laws and international best practices.
Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s biosafety framework at a time when advances in biotechnology, agriculture, and public health require robust regulation and effective risk management.
President Tinubu charged the new NBMA chief to deploy her expertise in advancing the agency’s mandate and safeguarding national interests.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Offoce of the Secretary to the Federal Government, the President expressed confidence in Dr. Zuntu’s capacity to reposition the agency and drive impactful reforms.
Stakeholders in the health and regulatory sectors say her leadership is expected to enhance biosafety governance, improve public awareness, and ensure that emerging technologies are applied responsibly for national development.
Dr. Zuntu takes over at a critical period when Nigeria is strengthening its regulatory institutions to align with global standards in biotechnology, environmental safety, and public health protection.
She will now lead the agency responsible for regulating modern biotechnology and ensuring the safe handling, transfer, and use of genetically modified organisms in Nigeria.
Since January 2021, Dr. Zuntu has served as a Resident Doctor at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH). Her five years of hands-on medical practice highlight her strong clinical background and commitment to patient care.
She is the founder of the Suleiman Zuntu Foundation, established in January 2020. Based in Abuja, the foundation reflects her dedication to public health and community service, focusing on improving healthcare access and awareness.
Between October 2019 and December 2020, Dr. Zuntu worked as Team Lead for the provider network at NNPC HMO. She coordinated provider audits, contracting, and training nationwide. She developed a model that simplified issue resolution between providers and the HMO.
She also served as a Medical Officer at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). She provided primary healthcare services, prescribed treatments, and improved patient record management systems.
She created systems and controls to enhance patient records management. READ ALSO Breaking: Jubilation as Tinubu announces fresh appointment.
Her medical journey began as a House Officer at National Hospital Abuja between January 2017 and January 2018. She assisted in surgeries, mentored medical students, and promoted health education. She educated and mentored more than 15 medical students.
Dr. Zuntu holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Wales (2018–2020). She also earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Maiduguri in 2016.
Her diverse experience in clinical practice, public health, and healthcare management makes her well-positioned to lead NBMA. With Nigeria’s growing biotechnology sector, her appointment signals a focus on safety, regulation, and innovation.
Dr. Fatima Zuntu’s appointment is a significant step for Nigeria’s biosafety sector.
Her blend of medical expertise, public health advocacy, and leadership experience may prove crucial in ensuring safe biotechnology practices across the country.
