By Our Correspondent
A Molecular Biologist at the Niger Delta University, Professor Tatfeng Mirabeau, has raised alarm over unregulated importation of GMOs derivative products into the country alleging that the uncensored flooding of Nigerian markets with products that are derivatives of GMOs is a calculated attempt by some unscruplous Nigerians to endanger the health and lives of unsuspecting consumers.
Prof. Tatfeng also raised concerns over the laws governing the importation of GMOs into the country, noting that it does not provide for liability and leaves the sector open to abuse.
He cautioned the Federal Government to beware and be aware of the environmental, ecological and health concerns scientifically proven to emanate from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) toxicity in the human system.
The professor rised the concerns at a workshop organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), for a cross section of judicial officers in Abuja.
He warned that attempts by some individuals to dabble into editing, synthetic biology or genetic engineering signals a threat to the country’s biodiversity and could lead to the extinction of species and naturally endowed varieties.
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His words: ”We are still struggling with the regulation of basic aspects of Biosafety but regulators want to dabble into genetic engineering, ‘gene drive’ organisms which has the potential of wiping off who species of orgnisms.
” We note that this is unnatural, poses a severe threat to the nature, the health of the people, our biodiversity and ecological systems as well as jeopardises our environmental sustainability,” Professor Tatfeng highlighted.
The biologist called attention to the gaps in the existing Biosafety legislation in the country saying, ”The Act has major fundamental flaws such as the absence of strict liability and redress in case damge arising from the release of GMOs into the environment, the composition of the Board – NABDA with no farmers or consumers, poor access to information for consumers, lack of mandatory and clear labelling of GMO products , infringing on peoples ‘Right to Know,’ and apparent conflict of interest.
The University Don alleged that there appears to be an unholy alliance between the regulator and the regulated as the Biosafety Agency, NBMA, often endorses activities of GMO promoters rather than regulating them.
In his own contribution during the workshop, the Director of the Ecological Think-Thank at HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, emphasized that it has become expedient to engage the judiciary for a better understanding of the cons of biotechnology with regards to cases that may rise from its wrong application in future.
Bassey appealed to the members of the bar and bench, to keep abreast of the legal framework and legislation governong GMOs in Nigeria, particularly as it borders on right to food choices and food sovereignty.
