House of Representatives calls on presidency to suspend introduction of genetically modified crops | The Guardian Nigeria News

Considers tougher sanctions against poachers and wildlife traffickers

The House of Representatives yesterday called on the Presidency to suspend the introduction of new genetically modified (GM) crops in the country until a detailed study is carried out.

The House of Representatives is also considering stricter penalties against those who indulge in wildlife trafficking and destruction of wildlife in the country. It called on the National Food and Drug Administration and Control Agency (NAFDAC) to ensure that the genetically modified foods and crops already introduced into Nigeria are properly labeled to protect consumers.

The House resolution on genetically modified foods followed the adoption of a motion by Muktar Shagaya (Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State). GM crops are genetically modified and genetically modified.

Presenting his motion, Shagaya said the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in the country raised serious questions about safety, regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem. He said genetically modified foods could be engineered to contain almost anything, including genes that have higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.

The House of Representatives therefore directed its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of genetically modified crops in the country by the NBMA.

The proposed wildlife legislation was aimed at implementing the “Conservation and Protection of Endangered Species Act” which passed second reading in the plenary session of the House of Representatives chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The bill addresses wildlife trafficking and the habit of destruction and proposes strict penalties for offenders. The bill, sponsored by the Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, aims to address challenges such as the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and the decline of Nigeria’s unique wildlife populations.

In addition, the bill aims to improve law enforcement capabilities, give investigators more power to investigate financial matters and conduct intelligence-led operations, and enable judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets.

It complies with international treaties, promotes global cooperation and introduces strict penalties for poachers and human traffickers.

“Today we take a firm stand against all illegal activities that target our wildlife and forests,” Ugbor said. “By protecting our wildlife, we protect our future. This bill represents our shared commitment to turn the tide against the use of our borders to trade illegal wildlife products such as pangolin scales and elephant ivory.”

The Benue State-born lawmaker alleged that the combination of lack of public awareness, weak legislation and minimal enforcement was hampering efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and biodiversity loss in Nigeria.

As a result, Nigeria’s wildlife has declined massively and species such as lions, elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees are threatened with extinction.

The Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and the Wild Africa Fund (WAF) are actively supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, with support from the United States Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund Kingdom (UK) and Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States (USA).