Concerned about the misconceptions surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms, the Federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has engaged biotechnology and biosafety stakeholders alongside Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to address the issues surrounding GM technology.
The meeting was organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), an initiative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) under the auspices of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA).
In his address, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey, highlighted that no introduction of scientific innovation in the history of mankind has been accepted by the people without resistance.
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“Think of when cars were first introduced, vaccines like the polio vaccine, airplanes which have offered humanity one of the fastest ways of moving from one place to another, fertilizers, etc.
Did we imagine what the situation was when they were first introduced? Some of us in the room would remember the protests and rejections that heralded the introduction of fertilizers, but today can any farmer achieve any meaningful harvest without the application of fertilizer?
The Minister, however, stated that GMOs represent a remarkable advancement in agricultural biotechnology, offering the potential to enhance crop yields, improve nutritional content, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on food security.
“It is crucial for all stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, industry players, and the public, to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration to address concerns and build trust in the responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products, including GMOs.
“Moving forward, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology will continue to work in concert with relevant stakeholders to support biosafety regulations, promote public awareness, and facilitate informed public engagement about GMOs.
“Through these concerted efforts, we aim to foster an environment where the potential benefits of biotechnology can be realized in a manner that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and public well-being.
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‘We must learn to trust our government as custodians of public health and environmental sustainability. The government has already prioritized rigorous scientific research, thorough risk assessments, and transparent regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and efficacy of GMOs in the country,’ Geoffrey said.
The Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA), Professor Mustapha Abdullahi, said the forum is significant as stakeholders come together to engage in constructive dialogue and deliberation on the complexities surrounding GMOs, a topic that touches upon the intersecting realms of agriculture, innovation, science and technology, health, and environment.
He said the rapid advancement of biotechnology, particularly genetic engineering, has ushered in a new era of possibilities for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving human health, mitigating environmental challenges, and driving socio-economic development.
“Our world is at a critical juncture, where scientific advancements intersect with societal values and concerns. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we engage in open, transparent, and inclusive dialogues surrounding biotechnology, particularly genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“The subject of GMOs has often been shrouded in misinformation, misunderstanding, fear, controversies, and concerns regarding their safety, regulation, ethical implications, and socio-economic impacts.
“However, as stewards of scientific progress, it is our duty to bridge this gap of knowledge and foster informed discussions that pave the way for evidence-based decision-making.
“Against this backdrop, our gathering today serves as a platform for informed dialogue, evidence-based discussion, and collaborative action to address the multifaceted dimensions of GMOs,” Professor Abdullahi said.
The NABRDA DG, however, noted that Nigeria has over 20 research institutes that are working on the genetic improvement of various crops in which the country has a comparative advantage in producing.
Also, the Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, said the forum is united for one common goal, which is to ensure the safe application of biotechnology and the protection of the country’s biodiversity.
She said the NBMA is committed to providing a robust regulatory framework that safeguards human health and the environment from potential adverse effects of modern biotechnology, as the agency stands at the forefront of regulating modern biotechnology in Nigeria.
“Our mandate is to ensure the safe application of modern biotechnology and to oversee the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring that they do not have any adverse impact on human health, plant life, animals, and the environment. We are dedicated to safeguarding human health and preserving our rich biodiversity from potential adverse effects of modern biotechnology.
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