The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe introduction and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria, stressing that the technology is aimed at strengthening national food security, enhancing nutrition, and supporting economic resilience—not endangering citizens’ health.
This assurance was given during a sensitisation workshop organised for directorate officers of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH/SW), held in Abuja.
The workshop was jointly organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Nigerian Chapter, and the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRD
Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at NBRDA, Dr. Rose Gidado emphasised that concerns about GMOs being harmful or poisonous are unfounded and misleading.
“We cannot give poison to our own people. Nigerian scientists working in this field are responsible professionals who are also consumers. GMOs have been used safely for over 30 years in more than 45 countries,” Dr. Gidado stated.
She added that all GMO products in Nigeria are developed and regulated with strict adherence to safety protocols, under the supervision of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
Dr. Angarawai Ignatius of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT-NG) explained that biotechnology offers sustainable solutions to challenges such as shrinking agricultural land, climate change, and a growing population. According to him, genetic modification strengthens crops against pests, diseases, and environmental stress without posing risks to human health.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha (represented by Dr. Oyedele Julius), highlighted the government’s approval of insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, aligned with global scientific standards and best practices.
“Health, nutrition, and economic resilience are interlinked. Biotechnology reduces crop losses, stabilises food supply, and improves livelihoods. Our framework is robust, transparent, and science-driven,” he noted.
Mrs. Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drug Services at FMOH/SW (represented by Dr. John Atanda), stated that the ministry remains committed to rigorous risk assessment procedures before any GMO product is approved
