Experts in the public health sector have called for a critical review of the approval process of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in Nigeria, citing concerns over the safety and testing processes involved in the approval.
The call for the reassessment comes amidst debates on the impact of GM crops on both human health and the environment.
In January, 2024, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) issued a certificate for the commercial release and open cultivation of TELA Maize which is genetically modified to resist fall armyworm, stem borers, and tolerate moderate drought conditions.
However, the executive-director of Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), Prof Qrisstuberg Amua called for transparency and public scrutiny in the approval process, particularly as the crops intend for widespread consumption.
Speaking at a symposium on Food Security Today and Tomorrow in Abuja, Amua urged Nigerians and the approving bodies to consider several key questions: the nature of the tests conducted to declare TELA maize safe, the number of varieties tested, the research facilities involved, and the identities of the Nigerian scientists who carried out these tests.
Professor Amua also highlighted the necessity for the results and methodologies of these tests to be made available for public examination, ideally published in scientific journals for peer review.
The professor’s call to action includes a plea to the government and legislators to reconsider the hasty approval of TELA maize which he advocated for a more comprehensive research approach, taking into account the long-term effects on public health and genetics.
According to the director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, the proliferation of GMOs in Nigeria portends a loss of biodiversity and food sovereignty.
Bassey who was represented at the event by Mariann Bassey, also called for outright ban of all GMOs in Nigeria and encouraged farmers to embrace agroecology farming methods using the indigenous seeds.
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