AFAN president Ibrahim Janet Ogundepo The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabiru Ibrahim, is optimistic that the country can achieve food security faster if it embraces the use of Genetically Modified Organism seeds. His remarks come amid renewed debate over the safety of GMO plants on human and environmental health in Nigeria. In May, the House of Representatives called for the suspension of GMOs in Nigeria pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation.
This decision followed extensive debates and concerns raised by various groups, as well as a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya. The PUNCH quoted him as stating that the National Biosafety Management Agency had approved the introduction of GM crops without adhering to proper due process and scientific protocols. The NBMA introduced GM crops into the country in 2019, as a measure to combat food insecurity.
In 2022, NBMA’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Rufus Ebegba, clarified that “none of the GMOs approved in the country has any risk associated with it.” However, some health and environmental advocates criticised the introduction of GMOs in the country, stating that it violates the principles of food sovereignty. GMOs, the World Health Organisation says, are plants, animals or microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered through technology that allows selected individual genes to be.