FG allays fears over consumption of GMO foods
The federal government has assured Nigerians that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products approved for commercial use in the country are safe for consumption as they have undergone rigorous scientific testing and regulatory scrutiny. The director-general of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, gave the assurance during a sensitisation […]
The federal government has assured Nigerians that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products approved for commercial use in the country are safe for consumption as they have undergone rigorous scientific testing and regulatory scrutiny.
The director-general of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, gave the assurance during a sensitisation workshop for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, Nigeria chapter, under the auspices of the NBRDA.
Speaking at the one-day workshop titled, “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Their Products,” Prof Mustapha said biotechnology, including the development of GM crops, remained one of the most reliable tools for addressing Nigeria’s food insecurity, combating climate change and boosting agricultural productivity.
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The director-general, who was represented by the director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Dr Rose Gidado, highlighted that crops like Bt cotton, Bt maize and pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea, which have been developed and commercialised in Nigeria, were safe and beneficial to both farmers and consumers.
“These innovations are not only safe but real-world solutions that improve livelihoods, enhance food security and strengthen farmer resilience,” he said.
He, however, expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, disinformation and mal-information, especially through social media, which he said had created fear and misunderstanding around GMO technology.
“In today’s digital age, the distortion of facts has become a major barrier to the acceptance of science. False claims about GMOs have contributed to public skepticism and slowed down the adoption of technologies that can transform lives,” he said.
He urged journalists to take up the responsibility of fact-checking and presenting scientific information accurately and responsibly.
“Your role as the media is critical in shaping public perception. You must go beyond headlines and engage experts, consult credible sources and present the science in ways that are easy to understand,” he said.
According to him, the workshop aims to create a platform for evidence-based dialogue between the media and the scientific community, promote understanding of GMOs and develop effective counter-narratives against scientific misinformation.
“The strategic goals include raising awareness about the dangers of misinformation in science and technology and creating safe spaces for public dialogue around the use of GMOs in food and agriculture,” he added.
He urged journalists to serve as “custodians of truth and ambassadors of science,” emphasising that their reporting can help bridge the gap between scientific innovations and public trust.
The sensitisation forum brought together science communication experts, GMO researchers and National Assembly correspondents to discuss the potential of modern biotechnology in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector.