The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has called for the adoption of biotechnology-driven crop production as a means to bolster food security and economic growth in Nigeria. The agency reassured the public that genetically modified (GM) crops are safe for both human consumption and the environment, emphasizing that no adverse effects have been recorded from their use in the country so far.
Assurance from NBRDA Director-General
Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General of NBRDA, provided this assurance on Monday during a sensitization workshop held in Kano for farmers, extension workers, and seed producers from Kano and Jigawa states. He explained that the approval process for GM crops and other improved varieties is rigorous and supervised by the National Biosafety Management Agency. He also sought to dispel misconceptions and campaigns against the technology.
Benefits of GM Crops
Professor Mustapha stated that adopting GM crops would improve farmers' livelihoods through higher yields and earlier harvests. He noted that the technology has the potential to significantly address food insecurity by boosting productivity.
“GM crops are designed to resist pests and diseases that normally destroy crops. Because the plants are stronger, farmers can achieve higher yields per hectare—more food for their families, more produce to sell, and increased income,” he said.
He added: “By implication, the adoption of GM crops will reduce spending and lower the risks associated with chemical applications. Many farmers spend heavily on pesticides, which can be expensive and dangerous if misused. With GM crops, farmers will use fewer chemicals, reduce input costs, and better protect their health and that of their families.”
Safety and Regulatory Oversight
According to the Director-General, “Before GM crops are approved for use by farmers in Nigeria, they undergo a thorough evaluation process led by the National Biosafety Management Agency. The crops are examined by experts to ensure they are safe for humans and the environment. Many countries around the world have been using GM crops for over 20 years, with no proven harm to human health.”
Support from Seed Industry Leaders
The Chairman of the Seed Company Association, Alhaji Yusuf Ado Kibiya, also expressed confidence in the ability of regulatory agencies to ensure seed safety. He dismissed allegations about harmful seeds in the country and emphasized that Nigeria must adopt GM crops to achieve food security. He noted that traditional agricultural practices alone are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the nation's growing population.
“For Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, the need for technology to improve and increase crop production is inevitable. Those opposing GMOs are, in effect, resisting development. These technologies are being developed in our own universities, not imported blindly. As someone who has been involved in agriculture and seed production in Nigeria for decades, I can confidently say that GMOs are safe. Beyond agriculture, many of our medicines are products of genetic engineering, and the technology has advanced globally except in places where resistance holds progress back,” Kibiya added.
