House of Representatives has urged the federal government to suspend the introduction of new Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) crops in the country, pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara) at plenary yesterday.
Moving the motion, Shagaya noted that genetically modified crops, commonly known as GM Crops, are plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering methods.
The lawmaker said that the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria has raised concerns and questions about safety.
He said concerns have also been raised on regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem following the introduction of GMOs.
“Aware that genetically modified foods can be created to contain almost anything, including genes which have higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.
“Introducing these crops has led to public outcries, with serious concerns about the potential risks these GM crops may pose to human health, environmental degradation, and food security.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has been accused of approving the introduction of GM crops into Nigeria without following due process and scientific protocols.
“Concerned that these GM crops are being introduced into Nigeria at a time when the said crops have been banned in several countries like France, Russia, Germany, China, India, and a host of other countries in Europe due to safety concerns,” he said.
According to him, the introduction of genetically modified crops could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s food security and could potentially transfer control to foreign biotechnology companies which are primarily driven by profit and cost reduction.
He said that GMO crops’ long-term impact on human health remains uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health risks including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues.
Shagaya said there is a need to prioritise public health, biodiversity, and traditional farming practices due to uncertainties surrounding the long-term impact of GMOs on health, the environment, and food security.
The green chambers urge the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cause the already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria to be properly labeled to safeguard consumers.
In his ruling, the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu mandated the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of GMOs by NBMA.
The deputy speaker mandated the committee to assess the potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops and report back within four weeks and mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
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