The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has reaffirmed the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), saying they are vital to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.
Speaking in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, said fears around GMOs are primarily driven by misinformation and that the agency is committed to bridging the knowledge gap through research, public sensitisation, and open dialogue.
“Our top priority is the well-being of Nigerians. We will never compromise public health or safety in the pursuit of innovation,” he said.
Mustapha explained that GMOs approved for use in Nigeria are subject to strict biosafety regulations by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which conducts thorough risk assessments before any product is released.
He highlighted the benefits of GMOs, including higher yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved resilience to climate change, which he said are already helping farmers across the country.
“Biotechnology is not here to replace traditional agriculture but to strengthen it,” he added, reaffirming NBRDA’s commitment to responsible innovation guided by transparency, ethics, and public safety.
