Amid the Nigerian government’s push to introduce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to combat food insecurity, experts have voiced strong opposition, warning of potential negative impacts.
During a training workshop for legal practitioners in Abuja on Tuesday, experts argued that the adoption of GMOs could undermine Nigeria’s food security efforts.
They highlighted the government’s approval and promotion of transgenic crops and cowpea, which are engineered to resist pests and environmental stress, aiming to increase yields and reduce chemical pesticide use.
The workshop’s speakers expressed significant concerns about the government’s strategy, cautioning that it might harm Nigeria’s food security, public health, and the environment.
They suggested that there are alternative methods to address food insecurity without resorting to GMOs.
The event aimed to equip judges with better understanding and application of biosafety regulations in legal contexts.
GMOs involve altering the genetic material of organisms through genetic engineering techniques, a practice that remains controversial in many parts of the world.