By Abdullahi Lukman
A coalition of more than 70 organisations has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to ban genetically modified organisms (GMOs), citing potential risks to public health, biodiversity, farmers’ rights and food sovereignty.
The coalition made the demand in a joint position paper presented at a public awareness rally in Lagos on Thursday.
The event was organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, and the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance.
The groups called on the Lagos State Government to prohibit the cultivation and use of GMOs, reverse existing approvals and conduct comprehensive investigations into their long-term effects on human health and the environment.
They raised concerns about the possible contamination of indigenous crop varieties through cross-pollination, declining agricultural biodiversity, soil degradation and the potential health implications of genetically modified crops. They also warned that patented seeds could increase farmers’ dependence on biotechnology companies and limit their traditional practice of saving, reusing and sharing seeds.
Speaking at the rally, Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at HOMEF, said the coalition’s campaign was part of broader efforts to protect biodiversity and promote alternatives to genetically modified agriculture.
Brown cited countries that have restricted or banned certain GMO-related activities, noting that concerns over biodiversity protection had influenced some of those decisions. She urged lawmakers to review existing permits and investigate
the potential long-term implications of GMOs.
She also referenced a 2024 motion in Nigeria’s House of Representatives seeking the suspension of GMOs and an investigation into approvals already granted, arguing that action by Lagos could encourage other states to review their policies.
Dr. Ifeanyi Casmir, a molecular biologist and public health policy analyst, called for a precautionary, transparent and people-centred approach to biotechnology regulation.
Casmir expressed concern about possible allergenic, toxicological, reproductive and ecological risks associated with genetically modified crops. He also cited research reporting the presence of Bt toxins in the blood of pregnant women and umbilical cord blood, saying the findings raised questions that required further investigation into possible exposure during pregnancy and potential effects on fetal development.
The coalition also questioned the adequacy of Nigeria’s biosafety regulatory framework.
Olamide Martins, Associate Director at CAPPA, said more than 20 products had reportedly received approvals since 2016 for commercial cultivation and use in food, animal feed and processing. He questioned whether adequate independent and long-term risk assessments had been conducted before the approvals were granted.
On farmers’ rights, Esele Ojeanelo, a project officer at HOMEF, warned that restrictions associated with patented seeds could undermine farmers’ ability to preserve indigenous varieties and maintain control over their farming systems.
“A nation cannot secure its food future by surrendering control of its seeds, its biodiversity and its farming system to corporate control,” Ojeanelo said.
Beyond its call for a GMO ban, the coalition urged the Lagos State Government to address challenges affecting agricultural production, including insecurity, inadequate extension services, poor infrastructure, limited access to land and difficulties accessing markets. It particularly highlighted barriers faced by women and young people in obtaining agricultural land.
The groups also called for increased public investment in agroecology, which promotes environmentally sustainable farming practices, biodiversity conservation and locally rooted food systems.
According to the coalition, supporting agroecology could strengthen food security, create economic opportunities for farming communities and reduce dependence on externally controlled agricultural inputs.
The position paper was endorsed by GMO-Free Nigeria, an alliance comprising more than 70 organisations. The coalition maintained that decisions on agricultural biotechnology should prioritise public health, environmental protection, farmers’ rights and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s food system.
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