Reps ask govt to suspend introduction of new Genetically Modified crops

The House of Representatives, has asked executive arm of the Federal Government to suspend the introduction of new genetically modified (GM) crops, pending outcome of the planned investigation by its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services is completed and made public.

The House also on Thursday, urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to
cause the already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria to be properly labelled to safeguard consumers, as it mandatedoes its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of genetically modified crops, and assess the potential health and environmental risks associated with with them, and report back within four (4) weeks.

The resolution was sequel to a motion on
“Need to Investigate the Introduction of Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria”, presented by Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, noting 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”.

According to him, 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, as he also expressed concerns that “these GM crops are being introduced into Nigeria at a time when the said crops have been banned in several countries like France, Russia, Germany, China, India, and a host of other
countries in Europe due to safety concerns”.

He argued further that “GMO crops’ long-term impact on human health remains uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health risks including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues”.

There were reports suggesting that genetically modified crops, commonly referred to as GM Crops, were plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been altered, using genetic engineering methods.