‘GM foods have come to stay in Nigeria’

Dr Bulama said this in Abuja when he toured the premises of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).He said Nigerians have to change their perception about GM foods as they are not harmful as being peddled by pessimists, adding that if Nigerians must achieve food security, the country must embrace biotechnology as it is the […]

Dr Bulama said this in Abuja when he toured the premises of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).
He said Nigerians have to change their perception about GM foods as they are not harmful as being peddled by pessimists, adding that if Nigerians must achieve food security, the country must embrace biotechnology as it is the only way to feed the ever increasing population.
“Nigerians must change their negative perceptions about biotechnology if we must have food security. Let me say categorically that biotech has come to stay in Nigeria,”he said.
He said science, technology and innovation have proven to be the key component in every developmental plan and strategy of every developed nation of the world and as such, Nigerians must begin to change the unfavourable perceptions they have against the sector in order to move the economy forward.
He said though science and technology is poorly funded in the country, research-based agencies must strive hard to show something for the little they get from the budget.
He said: “More funding is needed; more structures and equipment need to be put in place to encourage our scientists. Though, we have made some efforts, but we need to do more to get where we want to be.’’