Public health experts, speaking on the platform of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), have issued a strong call for the Nigerian government to halt the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the country’s food system. This appeal comes amid growing concerns that such practices undermine the right of Nigerians to safe food. During an online event organized to commemorate World Food Day 2024, experts discussed the multifaceted implications of modern agricultural biotechnology on consumer rights, farmer welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Joyce Brown, HOMEF’s director of Programmes and moderator of the event, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, “The Right To Food For A Better Life And A Better Future.” She urged the federal government to reassess its stance on GMOs through a human rights perspective, highlighting that a significant portion of the Nigerian populace is opposed to these organisms due to their potential economic, environmental, and health risks. Brown articulated that the government’s ongoing approval of GMO permits effectively disregards the rights of the people, raising questions about the priorities of agricultural policy in Nigeria.
The discussion also touched upon the lack of consumer choice in the current food system. Mariann Bassey-Orovwuje, deputy director at Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, pointed out that the socio-economic framework does not empower consumers to make informed decisions, as the labeling of GMO products is inadequate. This lack of transparency means that consumers cannot easily distinguish between genetically modified and organic foods, which complicates their ability to choose safer options.
Moreover, Bassey-Orovwuje highlighted the plight of farmers who become dependent on biotechnology companies for seeds. Unlike traditional seeds that can be saved and reused, the productivity of GM seeds diminishes after the first planting, forcing farmers to purchase new seeds each season. This not only disrupts traditional agricultural practices but also threatens local seed-sharing cultures that have sustained communities for generations.
Segun Adebayo, deputy director of the Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, raised concerns about the GMO approval process in Nigeria, describing it as fundamentally flawed. He criticized the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) for its inadequate public engagement and lack of accessible risk assessment reports. Adebayo pointed out that the agency’s board composition, which includes advocates for GMOs, raises questions about the impartiality of the regulatory framework and calls for an urgent review of the NBMA Act.
Molecular biologist Ifeanyi Casimir added a scientific dimension to the conversation, asserting that GMOs pose direct threats to the right to a safe environment. He cited studies indicating that GM crops designed for pest resistance often lead to increased reliance on synthetic pesticides, which can harm non-target organisms, including essential pollinators and soil microbes. This disruption not only contributes to biodiversity loss but also jeopardizes soil health, ultimately affecting food productivity.
As the debate surrounding GMOs intensifies, the implications for Nigeria’s food system, public health, and farmers’ rights remain a critical concern. The voices of experts at the HOMEF event underscore a growing movement advocating for a more just and sustainable approach to agriculture that prioritizes the rights and safety of all Nigerians.
