On May 1, 2016, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) issued permits to Monsanto to officially sell its Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products in Nigeria.

The Biosafety Act 2015 is a regulatory framework controlling the practice of modern biotechnology, development, handling and use of GMOs in Nigeria, which opponent said was hurriedly signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan during the last days of his administration.

Monsanto, founded in 1901 with over 17,500 employees and operating in 46 countries, is the world leader in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

But opponent’s objections to the utilisation and consumption of the genetically modified products are based on fears that they may lead to introduction of allergens and toxins to food, create anti-biotics resistance, alter nutritional content and value of food and contamination of GM and non-GM foods.

They said the NBMA was jeopardising the health of Nigerians and mortgaging the country’s future by ignoring such concerns.

Another issue is the safety of GM crops. It is also known that genetic engineering involves the use of antibiotic resistant genes as selectable makers and that could lead to production of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics, leading to serious public health implications.

The genetically modified crops may also contain some heavy metals which could be toxic and also be a serious public health challenge. It was also acknowledged that the genetically modified crops may be less nutritious due to lower amount of phyloestro gene, which protects against heart diseases and cancers.

On the safety of GM foods, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said since different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways, individual GM foods and their safety should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and that it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all GM foods.

The leadership of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria led by Architect Kabiru Ibrahim in a recent interview with Daily Trust dismissed claims by those opposing it, adding that Nigerian farmers will welcome GM, which he said will boost yields.


What do you think about this license to produce and sell these genetically modified organisms?

{Find picture attached of genetically modified maize}

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