Reps investigate introduction of GMOs in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has ordered its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria by the National Biosafety Management Agency.

The decision of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to Investigate the introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria moved at the plenary on Thursday by Muktar Shagaya.

The Green Chamber also called on the federal government to suspend the introduction of new genetically modified crops until an investigation by its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services is completed and the findings are made public.

It also urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to cause the already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria to be properly labelled to safeguard consumers.

It also mandated the committee to assess the potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops and report within four weeks.

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Moving the motion, the lawmaker explained that genetically modified crops, commonly referred to as GM Crops, are plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering methods.

He noted the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria has raised serious questions mostly about safety, regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem.

Shagaya stressed that genetically modified foods could be created to contain almost anything, including genes which have higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.

The lawmaker pointed out that introducing these crops has led to public outcries, with serious concerns expressed about the potential risks these GM crops might pose to human health, environmental degradation, and food security.

Shagaya added that the National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, had been accused of approving the introduction of GM crops into Nigeria without following due process and scientific protocols.

He expressed worry that aGM crops are being introduced into Nigeria at a time when the said crops have been banned in several countries like France, Russia, Germany, China, India, and a host of other countries in Europe due to safety concerns;

The lawmaker decried that GMO crops’ long-term impact on human health remains uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health risks including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues;