Faced with a barrage of criticism over the surreptitious manner genetically modified plants and products are creeping into the country, the Federal Government appears to be taking steps to engender trust and accountability.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced plans to enforce strict regulatory procedures, including labelling and traceability, for all genetically modified (GM) products in Nigeria.
Mr. John Atanda, Director of the Food and Drug Service, made this disclosure during a GMO sensitisation workshop in Abuja, organised by the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB). He assured the public that the ministry would collaborate with key agencies like NAFDAC and NBMA to ensure rigorous safety assessments, covering health and environmental impacts.
Dr. Rose Gidado, OFAB Country Director, highlighted over 30 years of safe GMO use in 45 countries, emphasising that fears around GMOs are not scientifically grounded. She warned that lack of investment in local biotechnology research may force Nigeria to continue relying on food imports.
Adding to this, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NABDA, shared that farmers growing GM maize (TELLA Maize) have seen up to 50% yield increases, and GM Pod Borer Resistant cowpea has significantly reduced the need for insecticides—boosting both productivity and profits.
