The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to suspend the use of new Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the country, citing concerns about safety and regulatory oversight. This decision follows the adoption of a motion by Hon. Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara) during Thursday’s plenary session.
The House expressed concerns about the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria, which has raised questions about their safety and potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem. Hon. Shagaya highlighted that genetically modified foods can contain genes with higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.
The lawmakers also criticized the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) for approving the introduction of GM crops without following due process and scientific protocols. They noted that several countries, including France, Russia, Germany, China, India, and many European nations, have banned GM crops due to safety concerns.
The introduction of genetically modified crops could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s food security, potentially transferring control to foreign biotechnology companies driven by profit and cost reduction. The long-term impact of GMOs on human health remains uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health risks including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues.
The House urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure that already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria are properly labeled to safeguard consumers. The Committee on Agricultural Production and Services was mandated to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of GMOs by NBMA and assess potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops, reporting back within four weeks. The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also tasked with ensuring compliance.
Babatunde A.
LV