The House of Representatives has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure that Genetically Modified (GM) foods and crops already introduced in Nigeria are properly labelled to safeguard consumers.
They also urged the federal government to halt the introduction of new genetically modified organisms (GMO) crops until a comprehensive investigation by its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services is completed.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara) during the plenary session On Thursday. Shagaya highlighted that genetically modified crops, commonly known as GM crops, have their DNA altered through genetic engineering methods.
He noted that the recent introduction of GM crops in Nigeria has sparked concerns about their safety, regulatory oversight, and potential impacts on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem.
Shagaya remarked, “Genetically modified foods can be created to contain almost anything, including genes which have higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.”
He expressed concern over public outcries regarding the risks these crops may pose to human health, environmental degradation, and food security.
Furthermore, Shagaya accused the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) of approving GM crops without adhering to due process and scientific protocol.
He pointed out that GM crops are being introduced in Nigeria while they are banned in several countries, including France, Russia, Germany, China, and India, due to safety concerns.
Shagaya warned, “The introduction of genetically modified crops could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s food security and could potentially transfer control to foreign biotechnology companies primarily driven by profit and cost reduction.”
He emphasized the need for precautionary measures due to the potential health risks associated with GM crops, such as cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues.
The deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, mandated the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a thorough investigation into the introduction of GMOs by the NBMA.
The committee is to assess the potential health and environmental risks of genetically modified crops and report back within four weeks.
Additionally, the Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with ensuring adherence to these directives.
