As Nigeria faces mounting food insecurity, climate pressures, and soaring population growth, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have emerged as a controversial solution.
A recent video by Aproko Doctor praising genetically modified (GM) crops went viral, but instead of calming nerves, it sparked a firestorm.
Nigerians are now asking tough questions: Are GMOs safe? Who controls them? And should we be worried about what’s in our food?
First, What Exactly Are GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants that have been scientifically altered to develop certain traits, like resistance to pests or the ability to grow in dry conditions.
In Nigeria, crops like Bt cowpea and TELA maize are examples.
They promise higher yields and fewer pesticides, and scientists say they could be a game-changer for food security.
Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, put it this way: “Nigerians have been eating GMOs for years through imported products like cornflakes, without knowing and without any side effects.”
Still, that doesn’t mean everyone’s convinced.
Who’s in Charge of Regulating This?
Two major agencies are involved: the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), responsible for approvals and scientific oversight, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which handles food safety.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, during an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast show, Sunrise Daily, on Thursday, August 7, defended the safety of GMOs in Nigeria:
“GMOs are genetically modified foods when it comes to food, and they are not bad for us. They are not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether the safety considerations have been taken,” she said.
She added that NAFDAC, in conjunction with NBMA, follows global best practices and remains committed to transparency and public safety.
However, many Nigerians argue that enforcement is weak and awareness is lacking.
The Biosafety Act of 2015 gives NBMA authority to approve or reject GMOs after scientific review.
By law, any product containing more than 4% genetically modified content must be clearly labelled. The problem? That law isn’t always followed.
A recent study by Nigerian researchers revealed that over 80% of GMO products sold locally were not properly labelled. That means most people have no idea they’re even consuming GMOs.
What’s Happening Elsewhere?
Many countries have approached GMOs with caution. Nations like France, Germany, Austria, and Italy have banned the cultivation of GMOs, citing environmental risks, ethical concerns, and lack of long-term health data. Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela also have firm restrictions or outright bans.
In the United States, where GMOs are widespread, biotech giants like Monsanto (now Bayer) have faced numerous lawsuits.
In 2018, a landmark case awarded $289 million to a man who claimed Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicide, used on GMO crops, caused his cancer.
Though Bayer continues to deny wrongdoing, the company has since paid over $10 billion to settle related claims.
Critics argue that these lawsuits and bans around the world reflect genuine global concern, not anti-science hysteria.
Groups such as Friends of the Earth and GMWatch warn that long-term impacts of genetic manipulation are still uncertain.
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What Are People Worried About?
A lot, actually. Critics say GMO farming could create long-term problems.
For starters, most of the seeds are owned by foreign companies, which means Nigerian farmers may be forced to keep buying new seeds every season, rather than replanting what they harvest.
Molecular geneticist Dr Ify Aniebo Rhodes-Vivour raised concerns on social media: “GMOs will create dependency which will make it impossible for Nigeria to attain sovereignty. He who feeds you, controls you.”
She also noted that while Nigeria approved Bt cowpea, Burkina Faso banned a similar GMO crop due to environmental concerns.
And it’s not just about health or environment. It’s about trust.
A national survey found that 90% of Nigerians want GMO foods clearly labelled so they can make informed choices, but that’s not happening consistently.
So, Should Nigerians Be Worried?
That depends on who you ask. Scientists insist GMOs are safe.
The World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization back them up, when regulated properly.
Nigeria’s laws are in place, but enforcement is weak, and communication is even weaker.
As Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, co-founder of Nigerians Against GMOs, put it: “The science exists, but so do the risks. Nigerians deserve to eat food that’s safe, nutritious, and honestly labelled.”
Final Thought
GMOs are neither magic bullets nor villains. They offer real solutions to food insecurity, but only if Nigerians are part of the decision-making, fully informed, properly protected, and never kept in the dark about what’s on their plate.