Experts Call for GMO Ban in Nigeria, Urge Focus on Sustainable Farming

A coalition of experts, including food safety specialists, scientists, and farmers, has reiterated calls for a complete ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. They cited potential health risks, environmental damage, and long-term implications for the country’s food security and agricultural sovereignty.

The group, led by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), urged the government to promote sustainable farming practices, establish seed banks, and strengthen support for local farmers.

During a news briefing in Abuja, following a public hearing organized by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production, HOMEF and its partners emphasized the dangers of GMOs.

Joyce Brown, HOMEF's Director of Programs, challenged claims of GMO safety, citing unnatural genetic alterations. "Why do we have patent rights over them if they are natural?" she asked. "Taking genes from bacteria and inserting them into beans is a distortion of the natural order. Nigeria doesn’t need GMOs to solve food insecurity; the real issues are poverty and inadequate support for farmers."

Professor Johnson Ekpere, an agronomy expert, supported the call for a ban, warning that Nigeria lacks the infrastructure and experience to manage GMOs effectively.

"If the government could establish a biotechnology agency, it should also set up a biosecurity research facility to assess the risks involved," he argued.

Rutendo Matinyarare, a Zimbabwean anti-GMO activist, pointed to South Africa's challenges with GMOs, such as soil degradation and dependency on expensive seeds and chemicals.

"GMO seeds don’t reproduce themselves. Farmers are forced to repurchase seeds and use chemical fertilizers that harm soil health," he said.

Lovelyn Ejims, a rural rice farmer, expressed fears about GMOs driving farmers into poverty. "GMOs damage soil, kill healthy species, and are too costly for farmers," she explained. "The government should focus on providing security for farmers, deploying extension workers, and allocating land for rotational farming."

The coalition urged the government to: Ban GMOs until their safety is thoroughly evaluated.

Strengthen the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) to ensure proper GMO labeling. Use biotechnology research for national development rather than private interests.

The coalition’s call highlights the growing concerns about the environmental and economic impact of GMOs in Nigeria. With debates ongoing, the need for a balanced approach that safeguards public health and agricultural sustainability remains crucial.