Two professionals from the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) have voiced serious concerns regarding the transparency and effectiveness of Nigeria's biosafety regulator, particularly in the oversight of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Nnimmo Bassey, an environmental activist, and Joyce Brown, a public health scientist, argue that the framework established by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) does not adequately address critical issues related to the safety, environmental impact, and economic consequences of GMOs introduced into Nigeria's food system.
In a joint statement released to PREMIUM TIMES on March 9, they noted that the rising skepticism among Nigerians regarding GMOs is largely attributed to a perceived lack of transparency and the absence of independent scientific data to validate the safety of the approved GMOs.
They highlighted that while the NBMA claims it is regulating GMOs and not merely experimenting with them, the lack of publicly accessible peer-reviewed risk assessments raises significant questions about the oversight process.
The experts pointed out that one of the unresolved queries directed at the Nigerian government via the NBMA concerns the availability of long-term and independent risk assessment outcomes, including feeding tests, that would confirm the safety of the sanctioned GMO products.
Despite Nigeria approving various genetically engineered crops for open planting and others for food, feed, and processing, the critics lamented that information regarding the scientific basis for these approvals remains obscure.
Bassey and Brown cautioned that the current approach endangers the country by potentially positioning citizens as unwitting test subjects for genetically modified foods.
Supporters of GMOs often argue that such innovations are crucial for meeting the food needs of Nigeria's rapidly expanding population. However, the two experts contested that this assertion neglects evidence indicating that genetically engineered crops might not yield higher production compared to conventional varieties cultivated under similar agricultural conditions.
Furthermore, the duo questioned the economic incentives behind the push for biotechnology in farming, suggesting that international seed corporations and commercial interests could be influencing policy decisions.
Another pressing topic is the control of genetically modified seeds and the associated intellectual property rights. They expressed concerns that GM crops could mix with indigenous varieties due to cross-pollination, potentially jeopardizing Nigeria’s biodiversity and the farmers' rights to conserve and re-use seeds.
Citing Nigeria's status as a center of origin for cowpea, Bassey and Brown urged for stringent limits on genetically engineered crops, referencing a 2024 ruling in Mexico where an indefinite ban on genetically engineered corn was imposed due to impending environmental threats.
They further criticized the absence of compulsory labeling for foods derived from genetically modified components, asserting that this omission hampers consumer rights to make informed choices about their food and diminishes accountability within the food supply chain.
A survey conducted by HOMEF between 2018 and 2023 identified over 50 processed food brands available on Nigerian supermarket shelves that may contain genetically modified ingredients, encompassing cereals, vegetable oils, and cake mixes.
The experts implored the government to pause the approval of new genetically engineered crops until an independent evaluation of existing authorizations is performed. They advocated for enhanced investment in agriculture, emphasizing superior extension services, better infrastructure, and increased support for smallholder farmers.
According to them, effectively addressing issues such as security, insufficient agricultural funding, and inadequate rural facilities would be more beneficial in combating food shortages than a heavy reliance on genetically engineered crops.
They proposed a transition towards agroecology, which favors ecological sustainability, local knowledge, and streamlined food supply networks. "GMOs merely treat symptoms of deeper flaws in our food system. The ecological, health, and economic threats may ultimately eclipse any potential benefits," they concluded.
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