GMOs Safe, Designed To Improve Farmers Livelihood – NABDA DG

The director general of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has said genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe and deliberately developed to improve agricultural productivity and the livelihood of farmers.

Mustapha stated this yesterday in Kano at a one-day sensitisation programme to GMOs organised by NABDA for farmers, agricultural extension workers, seed companies and traditional leaders from Kano and Jigawa states.

He noted that modern biotechnology offered practical solutions to challenges confronting farmers, including low yields, pest infestations and high production costs, stressing that the technology is backed by sound scientific evidence.

According to him, all genetically modified crops undergo stringent safety assessments before approval for use in Nigeria, under the supervision of the National Biosafety Management Agency in collaboration with relevant experts.

“GM crops are subjected to rigorous testing over several years, both locally and internationally, to ensure they are safe for human health and the environment,” he said, adding that there has been no proven harm associated with their use globally over the past two decades.

The NABDA boss further explained that GM technology enhances crop yield by enabling resistance to pests and diseases, thereby reducing losses and increasing farmers’ output and income.

He added that the technology also reduces dependence on chemical pesticides, lowering production costs and minimising health risks for farmers.

Mustapha stressed that improved crop resilience would save time and labour, allowing farmers to expand their operations and improve overall productivity.

He urged stakeholders to embrace innovation, noting that biotechnology complements farmers’ traditional knowledge and equips them with better tools to cope with climate change and rising food demand.

In his remarks, president of the Seed Association of Nigeria, Ado Kibiya, said adoption of GMOs would help Nigeria address food security challenges by boosting yield and increasing food production.

Kibiya described GMOs as products of scientific advancement capable of supporting sustainable agriculture and feeding the country’s growing population.