GM Crops Safe and Profitable, Nigerian Agency Assures Farmers

In a significant address to Nigerian farmers, extension agents, and traditional rulers in Kano, the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, delivered a strong endorsement of modern biotechnology, particularly genetically modified (GM) crops. His message was clear: these advanced agricultural technologies are not only safe but are designed to be highly beneficial, offering a pathway to enhanced productivity and improved livelihoods across the nation. Professor Mustapha positioned farmers as the 'backbone of Nigeria,' underscoring the importance of empowering them with tools that can strengthen food security and boost economic well-being.

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You are not just farmers; you are the backbone of Nigeria. I have come here today with a simple but important message: modern biotechnology, including genetically modified technology, is safe, beneficial, and designed to improve your lives and livelihoods.

The NBRDA chief meticulously detailed the rigorous safety protocols governing the introduction of GM crops in Nigeria. He emphasized that before any GM crop receives approval for commercial use, it undergoes a stringent and transparent evaluation process overseen by the National Biosafety Management Agency. This process involves a multidisciplinary panel of scientists, health experts, and environmental specialists, ensuring that approved crops meet the highest safety standards and pose no threat to human health or the environment. Professor Mustapha pointed to the decades-long successful use of GM crops in other countries as evidence of their safety, refuting any lingering concerns about potential harm.

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Before any GM crop is approved for use in Nigeria, it goes through a rigorous and transparent process led by the National Biosafety Management Agency.

Furthermore, Professor Mustapha highlighted the tangible economic advantages GM technology offers Nigerian farmers. He explained that crops engineered for pest and disease resistance can significantly increase yields, meaning more harvest per hectare and greater produce for market. This translates directly into increased income for farmers. Additionally, the inherent resistance of some GM crops to major pests reduces the need for costly and potentially hazardous pesticide applications. This not only lowers input costs but also protects the health of farmers and their families, while also lessening the environmental impact of farming practices. The NBRDA's proactive engagement through workshops like this one in Kano is crucial for building trust and disseminating accurate information, ensuring that Nigerian agriculture can harness the full potential of biotechnology for national development, as reported by The Punch.

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These crops are tested over many years, both locally and internationally, to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. Countries have used GM crops for over two decades without proven harm to human health.