Advocacy Groups Call for Action Against GMOs in Nigeria
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), including various media groups, has expressed alarm regarding the growing presence of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products within Nigerian markets.
The concerns center around the potential health and environmental hazards posed by these products.
During a rally in Calabar on Friday, the coalition voiced their frustrations and aimed to inform the public about the risks associated with GMOs.
Spearheaded by Mr. Umo Isua-Ikoh, Coordinator of the Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF), the event was organized in partnership with the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance.
The rally included advocacy visits to the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) office, as well as the Cross River State House of Assembly.
In a demonstration of solidarity, Isua-Ikoh delivered a protest (Petition) letter to ADP Program Manager Mr. Bassey Emogor and Hon. Agbor Ovat, Chair of the House Committee on Environment and Sanitation.
He franked over the widespread disapproval of GMOs among Nigerians, characterizing these food products as detrimental to both human health and environmental sustainability.
He enumerated the challenges consumers face in distinguishing GMO products from non-GMO items in the marketplace.
“We are here to sensitize the masses about GMO products circulating in Nigerian markets. You cannot differentiate them from other products, and they are unsafe for consumption and harmful to our environment. Unfortunately, the federal government has endorsed them,” Isua-Ikoh said.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the ADP, Technical Director Mr. Ifork Sunday acknowledged the concerns raised. He assured the coalition that efforts were underway, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, to address the issues.
Similarly, Mr. Augustine Ukukong, representing the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, expressed concern over the risks posed by GMOs. He pledged that the petition would receive urgent legislative attention, emphasizing the Assembly’s commitment to protecting public safety. “No stone will be left unturned to address this issue,” Ukukong said.
Speaking with journalists after the rally, Isua-Ikoh reiterated the coalition’s appeal for a total ban on GMOs. “GMO products come with significant health and environmental risks, including a possible link to rising cancer cases. The labeling of these products is not a solution because they are sold unmarked in open markets. The only viable solution is a complete ban,” he argued.
Policy Alert Program Officer Lawrence Peter described the introduction of GMOs into Nigeria as a “grave mistake.” He criticized the National Biosafety Management Agency for not properly consulting citizens before approving GMOs, calling for stricter regulation and public involvement. “GMO products have the potential to cause cancer and other health issues. We are saying no to GMOs and everything they represent,” Peter declared.
The coalition called on the federal and state governments to legislate against GMO products to safeguard public health and ensure environmental sustainability.
Reacting also, one of the concern members of the public, Mr. Bassey Edim, saying, “I wholeheartedly support the NGO’s stance on banning GMOs. Our local ecosystems are already under threat, and GMOs could exacerbate the problem with unknown long-term effects.
We must support sustainable, organic farming practices that respect our environment and preserve biodiversity. This call for a ban is a critical reminder that we need to protect our natural resources and ensure the health of our communities. I urge the government to heed this call and invest in traditional farming methods that have sustained us for generations.”
Also speaking Mrs. Grace Obi, said, “As a smallholder farmer, I find myself caught in the middle of this debate. On one hand, I have seen the struggles of my fellow farmers to produce enough food for our families, and GMOs could offer a solution to some of these challenges.
On the other hand, I share the concerns about the potential risks they pose to our land and health. I believe the conversation needs to include the voices of farmers like me, who are directly affected by these decisions. Instead of a complete ban, we should advocate for more research into the safety of GMOs and hold discussions that consider the diverse needs of our agricultural community.” Mrs. Obi stated.
