By Faridat Salifu
The federal government has assured Nigerians that the adoption of genetically modified organisms is aimed at boosting food production, improving nutrition, and reducing pesticide use rather than endangering lives.
Officials gave the assurance on Wednesday during a sensitisation workshop in Abuja orgatechnology key to food security, not a threat to public health organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology, in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency.
Dr Rose Gidado, who heads the Agricultural Biotechnology Department of the agency, said Nigerian scientists would not expose citizens to unsafe food products, noting that GMOs have been safely used in more than 45 countries over the past three decades.
She explained that the technology is regulated by the National Biosafety Management Agency to ensure strict safety checks at every stage of deployment.
Dr Angarawai Ignatius of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics said biotechnology helps crops withstand pests, diseases, and climate stress while safeguarding human health.
Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the agency, represented by Dr Oyedele Julius, said Nigeria has approved insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties to reduce food losses and stabilise prices.
He added that reduced pesticide use under biotechnology practices also protects rural communities and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security.
Mrs Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drug Services at the health ministry, represented by Dr John Atanda, said all GMO products would undergo risk assessments on allergenicity, nutrition, long-term health impact, and environmental safety.
She noted that labelling and traceability requirements would be enforced to strengthen consumer confidence in the country’s regulatory system.
Prof Emmanuel Kwon-Ndung of the Federal University, Lafia, said opposition to GMOs often stems from political and social concerns rather than scientific evidence and urged continuous public education.
Experts at the workshop argued that biotechnology offers a viable solution to Nigeria’s rising food insecurity as the population continues to grow beyond 240 million.
They maintained that modern crop technologies are necessary to increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and adapt to the pressures of climate change.
