The concerns raised by the public on the safety of genetically modified food crops have remained a topic of daily discussion. However, agencies responsible for ensuring that food crops in Nigeria are safe for humankind, animals and the environment have assured that the GMOs are safe for human consumption, writes JULIANA AGBO.
The safety of food crops engineered by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become topical issues among the populace in the past few years since its adoption by the Federal Government.
The adoption of GM technology in Nigeria came on the heels of the country’s shortfall in food production due to a myriad of challenges such as insect pests, low yielding seeds and effects of climate change.
In July 2018, Nigeria commercialised BT Cotton, its first GM crop, a genetically modified pest resistant plant to combat bollworm.
However, in 2019, the Federal Government also commercialised the first genetically modified food crop known as the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea.
Unlike the conventional bean variety, the PBR cowpea is engineered to resist pests known as maruca vitrata which is responsible for up to 70 to 80 per cent crop loss.
Having received farmers’ testimonies from the cultivation of PBR cowpea on increased yield, five years after, the Federal Government also launched another genetically modified food crop known as the Tela maize varieties which has the capacity to resist the effects of Fall Army Worm (FAW) and drought to close the deficit gap in maize production.
The launch of this second GM food crop has led to a series of debates where some activists remain skeptical on the safety of GM crops.
Much of the activists’ concern seems to stem from fears that gene editing could introduce new toxicity into old foods; make foods more allergic or lead to disease.
Even though the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment that regulates GMOs and ensure they meet food-safety standards, says they are safe, some activists have continued to doubt the safety of GMOs, thus creating fear in the minds of the public.
To address concerns raised by some activists on the safety of GM foods, experts in the fields of research and biotechnology have explained that the technology has no adverse effect on humankind, animals and the environment.
On how safe GMOs are, the Director-General of NBMA, Dr Agnes Asagbra said before granting approvals for any GMO, NBMA conducts rigorous risk assessments.
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These assessments, she said, evaluate potential risks to human health, the environment and biodiversity.
She explained that the process involves scientific experts who analyse data, conduct experiments and assess the safety of the GMO in question.
She further said the NBMA considers factors such as allergenicity, toxicity and unintended effects resulting from genetic modifications.
While explaining that the NBMA is Nigeria’s sole authority on biosafety matters, she said they enforce standards, guidelines and risk assessment procedures for GMOs.
‘’Our commitment is rooted in the National Biosafety Management Agency Act and its regulations. GMOs undergo thorough evaluation before approval. We consider their impacts on human health, animal welfare and the environment. Our goal is to strike a balance between innovation and safety.
‘’NBMA relies on scientific consensus to make informed decisions. This consensus is based on extensive research, peer-reviewed studies, and expert opinions. Independent scientific bodies, nationally and internationally, contribute to this consensus. Their evaluations guide the NBMA’s approach to GMO safety.
‘’NBMA doesn’t stop at approval. It monitors GMOs even after they enter the market. Surveillance systems track their impact on health, the environment and biodiversity. If any adverse effects emerge, NBMA takes appropriate action.
‘’We encourage dialogue with the public, scientists and stakeholders. Questions, comments and reservations are welcome. NBMA provides accurate information to address concerns.
‘’NBMA aligns its practices with global standards. It consults with international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. By staying informed about best practices, we ensure that Nigerian regulations are robust and effective,” she said.
The Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said the ongoing debate regarding the safety of GMO plants on human and environmental health in Nigeria has been reignited by the introduction of the Tela maize, sparking controversy, misinformation and misunderstanding, which has resulted in widespread fear and skepticism among the public.
According to Mustapha, GMOs represent a crucial advancement in the field of biotechnology; offering a myriad of benefits that span across agriculture, food security, health, industry and the environment.
He noted that the technology behind GMOs known as modern biotechnology or genetic engineering, allows for the transfer of selected individual genes from one organism to another.
The Director-General added that the process has been thoroughly studied and tested, and there is no evidence or data to indicate that GMOs are harmful to human health. Therefore, Nigerians have nothing to worry about.
These genetically modified organisms, he said, have the potential to revolutionise the country’s approach to addressing pressing global challenges such as food scarcity, malnutrition and environmental sustainability.
His words: ‘’The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) have stated that GMOs are safe for human and animal consumption. Similarly, the Nigerian government has taken a positive stance on GMOs and their safety.
‘’By adopting and adapting genetically modified crops, Nigeria can increase food security, improve crop yields and reduce the use of harmful pesticides. It is time to move past the fear and skepticism surrounding GMOs and embrace this cutting-edge technology for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Also, the Executive Secretary of Agricultural Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garuba Sharubutu said the research has followed all the safety protocols as enshrined in the Biosafety regulations.
He noted that biotechnology has been used successfully to increase productivity in corn, soybean and cotton by combating insect pests and drought in other parts of the world including the USA, Europe, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa.
Sharubutu, who noted that GM food crops are safe for consumption, explained that research institutes have the mandate for genetic improvement of all staple and cash crops, livestock and fisheries.
In achieving these mandates, he said the application of agricultural biotechnology in their research activities offers a novel way to develop varieties of crop plants and livestock breeds that are resilient to stresses arising from the impact of climate change and the quest to increase crop productivity by addressing farming problems.
Also, the Acting Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr Kahild Ishiak debunked insinuations relating to the viability and safety of GMO seeds.
He said the technology is needed in Nigeria’s food system as it’s facing countless challenges, climate change and the invasion of crop fields by ravaging pests and diseases, unpredictable rainfall patterns, drought, population explosion, as well as insecurity in farming communities.
All these conditions put together, he said, has severely impacted on our national food system thereby worsening Nigeria’s food security situation and resulting in skyrocketing food prices and food hyperinflation.
He said: ‘’I assure the farmers and the seed community that the NASC as the third-party guarantor for seeds in Nigeria participated in the processes leading to the approval by the National Variety Release Committee for commercialisation of the GM materials so far developed in Nigeria.
‘’As the practice for the non-GMO seeds, the NASC will continue to exercise its mandate in regulating all classes of seeds produced for commercialization in Nigeria, including the conventional and GM materials. The NASC is prepared to take on this responsibility and we assure the farmers and other seed users of the best quality of seeds.
‘’In addition to having well trained field officers for the purposes of detection, inspection certification and quality control activities, the NASC have a molecular diagnostic facility capable of checking the stability of these materials to ensure, materials of biotechnology contain the right set of genes for farmers who would be using them for the purposes they have been bred.
‘’Again, we want to assure the farmers that it is safe to use these seeds and the seed council in collaboration with relevant institutions is open to addressing the concerns of farmers and seed producers as they may arise.”
