The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has criticized the inclusion of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria’s food security strategy, labeling it a significant error that undermines the potential for African nations to achieve full food security. Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of HOMEF, expressed these concerns during a workshop for judiciary officials on GMOs and biosafety in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Bassey argued that GMOs reduce biodiversity by narrowing the range of available varieties, thereby posing a dominant threat to local species. He stated, “Introducing GMOs for the sake of food security is a big mistake. GMOs jeopardize the potential of any country, especially in Africa, to achieve food security because they diminish biodiversity and threaten local varieties.”
The workshop, held in Abuja, focused on the potential risks associated with GMOs, including safety and regulatory oversight, and emphasized the importance of the judiciary’s role in interpreting laws related to biosafety. The discussion also highlighted the need for awareness among legal professionals about the complexities of GMOs in Nigeria.
Dr. Bassey emphasized the importance of food sovereignty as an alternative to GMOs, advocating for reliance on indigenous species and the development of proper infrastructure to prevent food wastage. He also called for strict liability laws to hold the government accountable for any harm caused by GMOs, ensuring that citizens are not used as test subjects.
Barrister Inibehe Effiong, a participant at the workshop, underscored the necessity of the training for legal professionals, noting the growing presence of GMO products in the market and the regulatory challenges they pose. Effiong emphasized the need for the judiciary to be well-versed in the legal framework governing GMOs in Nigeria, particularly under the National Biosafety Management Agency Act.
Effiong urged Nigerians to reject GMOs and engage in community education and advocacy to push for the repeal of policies that permit the cultivation, distribution, and consumption of GMOs. He highlighted the importance of public awareness and legal scrutiny in ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation’s food supply.
