Stakeholders have cautioned that unchecked adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria could erode the nation’s food sovereignty and threaten the livelihoods of small-scale farmers who produce the bulk of the country’s food.
The warning was issued at a National Symposium on GMOs held in Abuja, convened by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Environmental Rights Action, and the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance. The symposium, which drew more than 80 participants from government, academia, civil society, farming communities, environmental groups, and the private sector, called for a moratorium on new GMO approvals.
In a communique, participants argued that Nigeria faces a critical choice between “industrial agriculture driven by multinational corporations” and an “agroecological system sustained by local farmers.” They stressed that traditional practices such as seed selection, mixed cropping, crop rotation, and soil fertility management had long sustained Nigeria’s food systems without external dependence.
They cited the example of Bt cotton—the first officially approved GMO crop in Nigeria—which farmers say has shown no clear advantage over conventional varieties after three years, while reportedly contributing to soil degradation.
The communique also referenced countries like Tanzania, which achieved food security gains of over 128% without GMOs, as proof that alternatives exist. It further highlighted scientific studies linking GMO consumption to health risks and warned of biodiversity loss, seed monopolies, and restrictions that would undermine farmers’ rights.
“Agroecology offers a viable pathway to address Nigeria’s food system challenges while empowering local producers,” the stakeholders stated. They urged the government to decolonise agriculture by preserving indigenous crop and animal varieties, investing in seed banks, and strengthening agricultural infrastructure to reduce food waste—estimated at up to 40% of production.
Key demands included:
- Federal Government: impose a moratorium on GMO approvals, review the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Act, and invest in agroecology.
- Regulatory agencies: prioritize public health over commercial interests, ensure independent risk assessments, and involve civil society in decision-making.
- National Assembly: amend the NBMA Act 2015, legislate stricter oversight, fund independent agricultural research, and establish parliamentary supervision of GMO approvals.
The stakeholders also called for greater support to smallholder farmers through access to land, credit, markets, extension services, and non-GMO seeds.
They urged Nigerians to demand a GMO ban to secure a sustainable, healthy, and just food system.
