FG TO SCIENTISTS: PROVIDE TRANSPARENT, FACT-BASED UPDATES ON GMO’S
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The Federal Government has encouraged researchers in various ministries and agencies to enhance their understanding of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to guarantee that their input on the topic is accurate and unequivocal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian populace is divided regarding the safety of GMOs.
The federal government communicated this on Thursday in Abuja during a two-day workshop where it received an evidence-based overview on the science of GMOs.
The event was organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria under the auspices of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
The workshop, themed “Biotechnology and Biosafety: Building Trust through Science and Facts,” provided a venue to examine the scientific and regulatory framework surrounding GMO cultivation in Nigeria.
Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, noted that the public frequently depended on governmental institutions for direction regarding GMOs.
“It is, therefore, imperative that our knowledge base is not only precise but also current, enabling us to convey facts transparently and equitably,” she stated.
She also emphasized the importance of adopting innovations that could help ensure sustainable food production.
However, according to her, the introduction and application of GMOs should be approached with caution, informed understanding, and adherence to regulatory standards.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the NBRDA, remarked that trust is not merely bestowed through statements but is established through transparent procedures, open communication, and demonstrable outcomes.
“To cultivate that trust, we must be forthright about both the potential of biotechnology and the legitimate apprehensions that citizens and civil society articulate.
“Concerns regarding gene flow, non-target effects, socio-economic implications, and seed accessibility warrant thorough, evidence-based responses.
“We must disseminate data from trials, elucidate the methodologies employed in food safety evaluations, and ensure that monitoring results are accessible to regulators, researchers, and the public,” he stated.
Mustapha asserted the necessity of ensuring that technological advancements are complemented by stringent safety assessments, clear policies, transparent oversight, and open dialogue with citizens.
He indicated that scientific innovation in agricultural biotechnology serves not as a conclusion but as a means to yield measurable benefits, including enhanced resilience to pests and drought, along with diminished reliance on chemical pesticides.
Mr. Bello Bwari, Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), expressed that it is common for individuals to harbor fears and concerns about emerging technologies and their products.
He urged Nigerians to recognize the positive aspects of GMOs, which he asserted could assist in improving the national food situation.
He assured that GMOs are effectively regulated in the country through rigorous procedures to guarantee safety for both humans and the environment. (NAN)
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