The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has affirmed that genetically modified crops released by the Federal Government are safe for human consumption, as against the recent media campaign against GM technology in the country.
The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Professor Garba Sharubutu, stated this when he led a coalition of Nigeria’s agricultural research system, comprising the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, the National Agricultural Seed Council, the National Agricultural Quarantine Service, the Sheda Science and Technology Complex, and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), to a press conference in Abuja.
Sharubutu explained that biotechnology has been used successfully to increase productivity in corn, soybeans, and cotton by combating insect pests and drought in other parts of the world, including the USA, Europe, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa.
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He pointed out that the ARCN is saddled with the responsibility of advising the Federal Government of Nigeria on national policies and priorities in agricultural research, training, and extension activities, including research into the application of biotechnology research in agriculture to improve crop plants and livestock breeds, thereby increasing their productivity and boosting the food security of the nation.
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Director General NABRDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, on his own, noted that the ongoing debate regarding the safety of GMO plants on human and environmental health in Nigeria has been reignited by the introduction of the TELA Maize, adding that the coalition aims to alleviate public concerns, dispel misinformation, and educate the nation on the proven safety and advantages of GMOs.
Also speaking was the Director General of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, who said that NBMA remained committed to ensuring the safety and responsible regulation of GMOs in Nigeria through the enforcement of standards, guidelines, and risk assessment procedures for GMOs.
