The House of Representatives wants the federal government to suspend the introduction of new genetically modified crops into the country pending an investigation by its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services on the implications of such crops on the lives of Nigerians.
The House also wants the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure that the already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria are properly labeled to safeguard consumers.
Adopting a motion on notice by Tolani Shagaya (APC, Kwara), the House resolved to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria by the National Biosafety Management Agency to assess the potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops.
Moving the motion, Hon. Shagaya explained that genetically modified crops, commonly referred to as GM Crops, are plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering methods.
He said that the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria has raised serious questions about safety, regulatory oversight, and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem.
According to him, genetically modified foods can be created to contain almost anything, including genes that have higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.
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He alleged that introducing these crops has led to public outcries, with serious concerns expressed about the potential risks these GM crops may pose to human health, environmental degradation, and food security.
He said the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has been accused of approving the introduction of GM crops into Nigeria without following due process and scientific protocols.
He said these GM crops are being introduced into Nigeria at a time when the said craps have been banned in several countries like France, Russia, and Germany. China, India, and a host of other countries in Europe due to safety concerns.
Shagaya said further that the GMO crops’ long-term impact on human health remains uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health issues including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues
The Lawmaker said the introduction of genetically modified crops could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s food security, potentially transferring control to foreign biotechnology companies which are primarily driven by profit and cost reduction.
He said there was a need to prioritize public health, biodiversity, and traditional farming practices due to uncertainties surrounding the long-term impact of GMOs on health, environment, and food security.
