Abuja: Rep. Saidu Abdullahi, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, has voiced his support for the adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. This endorsement comes amid ongoing debates among Nigerians about the safety of GMOs, with some expressing concerns, while scientists advocate for their potential to enhance the nation’s food security.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdullahi’s remarks were made during the 2025 Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Media Awards, where the forum celebrated its achievements. Abdullahi emphasized that GMOs could significantly boost agricultural yields, which have been historically low in the country. He urged Nigerians to embrace genetic engineering as a strategy to mitigate risks such as pest infestations, which threaten crop production.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), highlighted that Nigeria’s advancements in GMO technology are the result of
rigorous scientific research and biosafety oversight. He noted that the country’s regulatory framework, led by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), employs a case-by-case approach to risk assessment, aligning with international standards.
In a keynote address, Prof. Garba Sharubutu, former Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), called on the media to support agricultural development. He stressed the importance of journalists aligning with governmental efforts to promote national growth, underscoring the media’s role in educating the public about agricultural innovations.
Sharubutu also pointed out that Nigeria has the capacity to conduct research on GMO technology, urging the public to be informed about the nature of the food products they consume, especially as borders reopen and food imports increase.
Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of the Agricbiotech Department at NBRDA, spoke about the positive impact of OFAB Nigeria on food security. She praised the organiza
tion for its science-based advocacy, which bridges laboratory innovations with practical applications for farmers.
Dr. Jean Baptiste Tignegre, Regional Representative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), emphasized the need for collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and the media to promote the responsible adoption of agricultural technologies that benefit smallholder farmers and enhance food security across the continent.
The event concluded with the presentation of the National Agricultural Transformation Award to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, recognizing his contributions to the sector.