The Centre for Food Safety and Agriculture Research (CEFSAR) has called for a critical and inclusive dialogue on the future of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
CEFSAR made the call at the 24th edition of the International Bio-Chemical Conference (iBioC24), organised by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
The conference was organised under the theme; “Biosafety: An Indispensable Tool for Achieving Food Security, Health Improvement, and Environmental Sustainability.”
The organisation emphasized the need for open discussions that balance scientific advancements with environmental and societal concerns, urging stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to engage in conversations that shape the ethical, ecological, and regulatory frameworks surrounding GMOs.
Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua, Fellow at Hubei Biotech, Wuhan, China, and executive director of CEFSAR, proposed a long-term moratorium on the introduction of new GMOs in Nigeria until comprehensive, long-term studies can be conducted to fully understand their impacts on health, the environment, trade protections, and food sovereignty.
He said that this pause would allow the development of in-country research capabilities and databases, fostering a more authoritative regulatory environment rather than the currently accelerated push for adoption.
“The goal is to prevent what may become a rushed acceptance of technology that could lead to dependencies on foreign entities and loss of reasonable control over local agricultural production, trade, and national sovereignty.”
CEFSAR recommended adopting transparent labelling practices that allow consumers to make informed choices about GMO products, aligning with global standards and supporting the consumer’s right to know. It added that clear labeling would also encourage companies to maintain higher standards in safety and ethics, reinforcing accountability in the food system.
The organisation advocated for building robust research infrastructure in Nigeria, enabling local regulatory bodies to independently assess and regulate GMOs.
This approach, it added, would reduce reliance on foreign funding and data, bringing credibility to Nigeria’s regulatory system and ensuring that GMOs are evaluated within the context of the country’s unique ecosystems and public health concerns.
In conclusion, CEFSAR advocated for an approach rooted in caution, national food security, and respect for traditional agricultural wisdom, which has stood the test of time.
“Ensuring that biotechnology serves the public interest requires more than the promotion of GMOs for foreign commercial interests, it necessitates thoughtful regulation as a national gatekeeping endeavor, thorough research, and a commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of farmers and consumers alike,” it said.
