News in brief:
– Nigerian civil groups move to stop the commercialisation of genetically modified potatoes, citing health and environmental risks.
– The government seem focused on pushing through with its plans despite public concerns and global bans in countries like Peru.
A coalition of over 100 civil society organizations (CSOs), including farmers, scientists, and academics, is urging the Nigerian government to halt the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), specifically potatoes.
The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, stated that GMOs pose a danger to human health and the environment, threatening the integrity of Nigeria’s food system.
Concerns stem from the fact that GMO potatoes, which are banned in countries like Peru, are being introduced in Nigeria, despite potential risks. Bassey added that there are hidden corporate interests pushing these modifications without considering the health of the people.
The Nigerian government, through the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), plans to release GM potatoes despite opposition. The House of Representatives in May 2024 called for a halt on the approval of new GMOs and demanded an investigation into the process, which critics claim has been ignored.
Dr. Ifeanyi Casmir, a former leader of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), pointed out that other GM crops like Bt Cotton, Bt Beans, and TELA Maize have already affected the original crops in Nigeria. He warned that GM potatoes, primarily used as animal feed or biofuels in developed countries, should not be consumed by humans. Instead, the government should focus on resolving insecurity in states like Plateau, a major potato-growing region, to boost production.
While the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, acknowledged the achievements of biotechnology, he assured the public that the government is mindful of their concerns. He believes that fears over GMOs are often based on misinformation and misconception.
