The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), have stated that all commercially available genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and foods in Nigeria are safe for human consumption, Livestock and environment. This was mentioned during a National Symposium on Biotechnology, which was held in Abuja on November 18, 2024, in honor of BSN Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Vincent Tenebe. Debunking surrounding concerns of GMO safety, Tenebe stated that such false information is propagated by anti-GMO groups who oppose Africa’s agricultural advancement. He described genetic engineering as a God-given instrument for scientific progress and underlined that GMOs are essential for food security, allowing Africa to lessen its dependency on food imports.
Dr. Sylvester Oikeh, the keynote speaker, emphasized the safety of TELA maize, a climate-smart genetically modified crop that has been approved through stringent regulatory procedures. This crop greatly improves food output and lowers costs by addressing issues like pests and Climate Change in conjunction with other GM breakthroughs. According to BSN President Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, Nigerian scientists have been working on genetically modified (GM) solutions for more than 20 years. These include insect-resistant cotton, maize, and beans that fight pests, save production costs, and lessen hazards like mycotoxin contamination. These developments are meant to increase food affordability and security.
International scientific consensus deemed GMOs to be safe.
This assertion by the group comes amidst ongoing debates concerning the necessity, safety, and effects of genetically modified organisms on a local and international level. The BSN’s stance is basically supported by scientific analysis and is in line with international scientific consensus as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other regulatory agencies generally consider genetically modified organisms that have undergone thorough evaluations to be safe for use by humans, animals, and the environment. The declaration made by the group could have a profound impact on Nigerian agriculture practices and policies.
In Nigeria, where agriculture is essential to both Food Security and economic growth, BSN’s statement may have an impact on popular acceptance and regulatory support for genetically modified organisms which has earlier been met with resistance. The Nigerian government has always taken a cautious and favorable stance on GMOs, portraying them as instruments to increase agricultural output and food security. To increase yields and fight insect infestations that have hampered conventional farming practices, the nation has already adopted a number of genetically modified organisms crops, such as genetically modified cotton and cowpea.
Safety of the crops has been a contentious subject.
By confirming the safety of genetically modified organisms, BSN could further promote agricultural improvements like pest- and drought-resistant cultivars, which could increase yields and resilience to climate change, a major worldwide concern. In reality, the issue is still hotly debated among specialists, governmental entities, farmers, and civil society. Particularly, its safety and long term effect has been a contentious topic for many years. Proponents contend that its development follows strict scientific guidelines and frequently entails years of testing to guarantee both their environmental impact and safety for human use.
Meanwhile, some researchers and environmentalists contended that there is still uncertainty regarding the long-term impacts of genetically modified organisms, citing possible hazards such as allergenicity, horizontal gene transfer, and unexpected ecological repercussions. Additionally, as many studies promoting the safety of GMOs are funded by the same companies that create the technology, suspicion persists due to alleged conflicts of interest in research financing. Negative opinions of GMOs are still shaped by public mistrust of regulatory bodies and the biotech sector, especially in underdeveloped nations like Nigeria. The issue of whether genetically modified organisms are absolutely safe for humans remains largely complex.
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With gradual adoption of genetically modified organisms already underway, Nigeria must carefully balance using biotechnology to promote agriculture with allaying the legitimate worries of its populace. To foster trust and guarantee that the adoption of genetically modified organisms benefits all parties involved, it will be essential to have more openness in regulatory procedures, raise public knowledge, and conduct independent research. Although the contentious issue of GMO safety is unlikely to be settled anytime soon, Nigeria may benefit from this potent Technology with well-informed debates and evidence-based policy.