The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to suspend the introduction of new Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) crops in the country.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara) at a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
The House directed that all GMO introduction should be suspended pending the completion of a comprehensive investigation by the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services and the findings made public.
While moving the motion, the Lawmaker explained that genetically modified crops, commonly referred to as GM Crops, were plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA had been altered using genetic engineering methods.
He pointed out that the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria had raised serious questions mostly about safety.
The lawmaker said that concerns have also been raised on regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem following the introduction of GMOs.
According to him, “Aware that genetically modified foods can be created to contain almost anything, including genes which have a higher level of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.
“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.
“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.
“Concerned 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 said.
The lawmaker said that the introduction of genetically modified crops could have far-reaching implications for food security In the country
According to him, it could potentially transfer control to foreign biotechnology companies which are primarily driven by profit and cost reduction.
He said that GMO crops’ long-term impact on human health remained uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health risks including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues.
Rep Shagaya pointed out that there was a need to prioritise public health, biodiversity, and traditional farming practices due to uncertainties surrounding the long-term impact of GMOs on health, environment, and food security.
The House 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.
The motion was unanimously supported by members when It was put into voice vote and, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu mandated the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of GMOs by NBMA.
The House also mandated the committee to assess the potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops and report back within four weeks and mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
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