House of Representatives moves to suspend introduction of genetically modified crops – Voice of Nigeria

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian government to immediately suspend the introduction of new genetically modified crops until the investigation by its Agricultural Production and Services Committee is completed.

This followed the adoption of a motion on the need to study the introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria, tabled by Mr Muktar Shagaya in plenary on Wednesday.

In its main debate, the legislator said that genetically modified plants, commonly referred to as genetically modified plants, are plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been modified through genetic engineering methods.

The lawmaker noted that the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria has raised serious questions, particularly regarding safety, regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosecurity and ecosystem.

“The House recognizes that genetically modified foods can be manufactured to contain almost anything, including genes that cause higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.”

He also explained that the introduction of the crops had led to public protests expressing serious concerns about the potential risks these genetically modified crops could pose to human health, environmental degradation and food security.

Mr. Shagaya highlighted that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has been accused of approving the introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria without due process and scientific protocol.

The lawmaker also stressed that GMO crops have long-term effects on human health, adding that they pose uncertain dangers and called for precautions due to potential health risks such as cancer, antibiotic resistance, as well as allergic reactions and reproductive problems.