House of Reps Orders Investigation into Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to launch a thorough investigation into the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops in Nigeria by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).

The decision was made following the adoption of a motion on the need to investigate the introduction of GM crops in Nigeria, moved during Thursday’s plenary by Muktar Shagaya.

The House called on the federal government to halt the introduction of new GM crops until the investigation by the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services is completed and its findings are disclosed to the public.

Furthermore, the House urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure that GM foods and crops already introduced in Nigeria are properly labelled to protect consumers.

The committee has been tasked with evaluating the potential health and environmental risks associated with GM crops and is expected to report its findings within four weeks.

Shagaya, in his motion, highlighted that GM crops are plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering methods.

He expressed concern about the safety, regulatory oversight, and potential impact on Nigeria’s biosafety and ecosystem arising from the recent introduction of GM crops in the country.

The lawmaker emphasized that GM foods could contain genes with higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.

He noted that the introduction of GM crops has raised public concerns regarding potential risks to human health, environmental degradation, and food security.

Shagaya also criticized the NBMA for allegedly approving the introduction of GM crops into Nigeria without adhering to due process and scientific protocols.

He highlighted that several countries, including France, Russia, Germany, China, India, and several others in Europe, have banned GM crops due to safety concerns.

The lawmaker raised concerns about the uncertain long-term impact of GMO crops on human health, citing potential risks such as cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues.