FG to enforce labelling of genetically modified crops

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced plans to mandate the labelling and traceability of genetically modified (GM) products in order to promote transparency, accountability, and consumer safety.

Director of Food and Drug Services, Mr. John Atanda, disclosed this in Abuja during a GMO sensitisation workshop for directorate officers, organised by the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB). He said the ministry will collaborate with relevant agencies, including NAFDAC and the National Biotechnology Management Agency (NBMA), to ensure strict compliance.

Atanda stressed that all biotechnology-derived foods will be subjected to rigorous safety assessments covering allergenicity, nutritional value, long-term health effects, and environmental impact, reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting public health.

In her presentation, Dr. Rose Gidado, OFAB Country Director, noted that GM crops have been in safe use for over three decades across 45 countries. She argued that without investing in biotechnology research, Nigeria risks continued dependence on food importation.

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Similarly, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development and Research Agency (NABDA), highlighted that farmers who cultivated GM maize, known as TELLA Maize, achieved up to 50% yield increase. He added that Pod Borer Resistant cowpea has also boosted returns by reducing insecticide use and increasing productivity.