By Abdullahi Lukman
Stakeholders have highlighted the potential of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) technology to significantly boost food production and ensure food security in Nigeria, especially for smallholder farmers.
The remarks were made on Wednesday, during a field visit to two GMO demonstration farms in Abuja, organised by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
Mr. Yarama Ndirpaya, Programme Manager for Tela Nigeria at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), said GMO technology offers tailored agricultural solutions that improve productivity and resilience.
He emphasised the need for farmers to understand and effectively use these technologies to increase yields and profitability. “Tela maize, for example, resists pests, tolerates drought, and boosts productivity,” he noted.
Ndirpaya warned that climate change continues to threaten food security and called for increased government support to strengthen seed systems and deliver climate-resilient crops to farmers. AATF, he said, operates in over 24 African countries.
The farms visited showcased Tela maize and Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea—also known as SAMPEA 20-T or Bt cowpea—which incorporates a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis to protect against the legume pod borer, a major pest.
Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), praised the adoption of PBR cowpea and highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in GMO food crop commercialisation.
“Nigeria was the first African country to commercialise PBR cowpea in 2019, and today, only Nigeria and Ghana have done so,” she said.
Dr. Charles Ogunremi, NABDA’s Farm Manager, described the PBR cowpea as a climate-smart and replantable variety, offering flexibility under unpredictable weather conditions.
GMO farmer Mr. Andrew Nanfwang also shared his positive experience, noting significantly improved yields with Tela maize.
Stakeholders stressed that wider adoption of GMO crops could be a game-changer in tackling food insecurity across Africa.
