The lingering worries regarding the environmental impact and safety of genetically modified organism (GMOs) for human use have intensified. A coalition consisting of over 100 academic institutions, farmers, scientists, lawyers, and Civil Society organizations has demanded that the Nigerian government completely prohibit genetically modified organisms and avert plans to introduce genetically modified (GM) potatoes. They contend that genetically modified organisms violate basic Human Rights and endanger Nigeria’s food chain. Following the government’s declaration that it would shortly deliver a report on clinical trials of GM potatoes, with a commercial release anticipated in 2025, this demand was made in a recent news conference.
Nnimmo Bassey, the Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), warned that any additional GMO release would jeopardize Nigeria’s environment, public health, and food system. Bassey denounced the government’s friends and international firms’ involvement in pushing genetically modified organisms at the price of Nigerians’ health. In addition, Bassey cited worries about the contamination of native potato types in his critique of genetically modified (GM) potatoes as an inappropriate technological option for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. He criticized why Nigerian farmers are being urged to adopt GM potatoes, as was the case in Uganda and Rwanda, given that GM potatoes are prohibited in nations like Peru.
Concerns over modified seed patents have surfaced.
Dr. Ifeanyi Casmir, a molecular biologist, warned that GM potatoes are a threat to Nigeria’s crop diversity, as they are similar to others like Bt Cotton and TELA maize. In his criticism of the GMO movement, he claimed that the main use for these organisms abroad are for animal feed and Biofuels rather than for human consumption. Casmir stressed that the government ought to put more effort into alleviating Insecurity in places like Plateau State that produce potatoes than it should into pushing genetically modified crops. The lack of transparency around the field experiments for genetically modified potatoes is one of the reasons why food sovereignty activist Mariann Bassey-Orovwuje expressed worry about regulatory shortcomings in processing GMO applications.
Over the years, the adoption of GM seeds by crop farmers has been the focus of heated discussion among scientists, environmentalists, and even food activists in Nigeria and throughout the world in recent years. Concerns over seed patents, the effects of genetically modified organisms on traditional farming practices, and their effects on the environment and human health have also surfaced. In response, governments in developing countries are taking different tacks: some are openly prohibiting GMOs, some are embracing the technology, and yet others are trying to strike a compromise between the demands and concerns of all parties.
Farmers have taken a mixed stand on the crops adoption.
Since Tela Maize was introduced more and more people are refusing to consume GM crops. The government’s promotion of genetically modified organisms has been widely criticized on a variety of platforms for reasons including corporate control over the food system, hazards to human health and the environment, and the notion that GMOs are not necessary to alleviate food insecurity. The government of Nigeria has been pushing genetically modified crops, although Nigerian farmers have taken a mixed stand on them. Some farmers are still dubious or against it, mostly because of worries about who controls the seeds, possible expenses, and long-term environmental effects.
Similarly, the House of Representatives expressed objections about the acceptance of GMOs and temporarily halted approval related to their licensing and cultivation. The House of Representatives expressed worries about the safety of genetically modified crops for the environment and human health. A motion requesting a comprehensive examination of the nation’s Biosafety regulations and the safety evaluations of genetically modified organisms prior to any more approvals was what prompted this suspension. Perceived insufficient public Education and consultation over GMOs was another factor contributing to the suspension.
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Several lawmakers also expressed skepticism and worry regarding the acceptance of GMO crops because the public did not fully comprehend the ramifications of these crops. They believed that closer monitoring was required to guarantee that Nigeria’s biosafety regulations were being correctly implemented. Nevertheless, Nigeria has presently resumed its GMO programs, commercializing GM crops like Bt cotton and Bt cowpea. As part of its agricultural modernization agenda, the government still supports biotechnology, but the mainstays of these initiatives continue to be public awareness and safety precautions.