On June 18, Nigeria launched genetically modified (GM) maize, presented by the government as a crucial solution to the country’s severe food insecurity. Minister of State for Agriculture, Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the role of high-yielding TELA maize in enhancing food security. However, many farmers remain loyal to traditional seeds, expressing distrust toward GM crops.
Activists, including Philip Jakpor of the Port Harcourt-based Renevlyn Development Initiative, criticized the government’s decision, arguing it disregards the precautionary principle and imposes foreign agricultural experiments on Africa. They question why Africa, with its vast agricultural potential, is often targeted for such initiatives.
Nigeria, with nearly 40 million hectares of arable land, is grappling with severe food inflation and insecurity. Attacks on farmers have exacerbated the situation, leading to significant loss of life and hindering food production.
Despite these challenges, proponents like Rose Gidado of the National Biotechnology Development Agency advocate for GM crops, asserting that they can significantly boost yields and reduce dependency on harmful pesticides.
TELA maize, developed by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID, promises resistance to major pests and drought conditions.
With Nigeria currently producing 12 million metric tons of maize and facing a 6 million ton deficit, GM maize is seen as a way to bridge this gap. However, the impact of GM crops in Nigeria has been minimal, with less than 10% of farmers adopting hybrids.
Analysts like Rabiu Adamu believe widespread adoption will take time. He argues that with Nigeria’s population set to double in 25 years, improved cultivars and technology are essential.
Critics, however, highlight structural issues like poor agricultural policies, insecurity, and inadequate farmer support as more pressing concerns than the adoption of GM crops.
They argue that addressing these issues would better serve Nigeria’s food security needs.Farmers remain skeptical of GMOs, preferring familiar seeds amidst uncertain new technologies.
Beyond the quest for food security, opponents point to Nigeria’s agricultural policy and insecurity as the real challenges. Farmers face difficulty accessing loans and insurance, and post-harvest losses are exacerbated by poor infrastructure and security issues.
As Nigeria navigates its food crisis, the debate over GM crops continues, balancing potential benefits against deep-seated mistrust and systemic challenges.
Amidst Nigeria’s severe food insecurity, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has staunchly defended its approval of TELA maize, emphasizing rigorous safety measures. The agency assured the public of TELA maize’s safety for human consumption following extensive assessments.
Ms. Ogbaki, NBMA’s Head of Information and Public Relations, addressed concerns raised post-launch, stressing maize’s critical role as a staple crop in Nigeria. She highlighted transparency and thorough, unbiased decision-making in the approval process for GMOs.
The certification of TELA maize involved comprehensive risk assessments conducted by experts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), and various university research centers. Their evaluations confirmed TELA maize meets stringent safety standards.