By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced plans to ensure all genetically modified (GM) crops are labelled and traceable, highlighting the potential benefits for farmers and food production.
Director of Food and Drug Service, Mr. John Atanda, said proper labelling and regulatory oversight would reinforce trust in modern biotechnology while protecting public health.
GM crops, including TELLA maize and Pod borer-resistant cowpea, have already shown significant gains in field trials, with maize yielding 50 per cent more and cowpeas requiring fewer insecticide sprays.
Dr. Rose Gidado, Nigeria Country Director of the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), stressed that GM crops are developed from evidence-based research and can help Nigeria reduce dependence on food imports.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NABDA, noted that farmers cultivating GM crops have reported higher returns on investment and improved productivity, demonstrating the potential to strengthen food security.
The initiative also includes rigorous safety assessments, covering nutrition, allergenicity, environmental impact, and long-term health effects, ensuring that farmers and consumers can trust the technology.
Government collaboration with NAFDAC, NBMA, and other agencies will ensure proper oversight, traceability, and compliance with international safety standards.
