In a bold move to quell growing public anxiety over the safety of genetically modified foods, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has firmly stated that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are “not bad for us”—provided safety protocols are followed—while also calling for mandatory labelling to ensure consumer awareness.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the disclosure on Channels Television’s breakfast programme Sunrise Daily, as nationwide debates intensify regarding the influx of GMO food products into Nigerian markets and the general quality of consumables.
> “GMOs are not inherently harmful,” Prof. Adeyeye said. “It depends on the type of food and whether the necessary safety considerations have been taken. What’s essential is proper labelling so consumers can make informed choices.”
Prof. Adeyeye, a seasoned pharmacist and professor, underscored the importance of consumer education and transparency. According to her, while GMO foods are generally safe, Nigerians deserve to know exactly what they are eating.
> “As a food enthusiast, I always check the label. Before my appointment at NAFDAC, I would scrutinize every product for indications like ‘genetically modified’ on the packaging. Labelling is a right, not a privilege,” she said.
The NAFDAC chief also emphasized the agency’s strong collaboration with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)—the primary body responsible for certifying the safety of GMO foods in Nigeria.
> “We have a Memorandum of Understanding with NBMA. Until they have completed their due diligence, including laboratory assessments and desk reviews, NAFDAC cannot approve any GMO food item,” she stated.
Adeyeye reiterated that the agency’s mandate covers ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of food items cleared for public consumption. However, she noted that enforcement also involves state-level agencies, which must work in tandem to ensure a wholesome food ecosystem.
Her comments come in the wake of mounting concern among Nigerians over the unlabelled presence of GMO foods in local markets. The fear is fueled by misinformation, unclear regulatory enforcement, and the absence of visible tags on many processed or imported products.
But NAFDAC isn’t alone in attempting to allay these fears.
Just last month, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), also reassured Nigerians of the safety and benefits of GMO crops. Addressing the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja, he asserted that GMO technology is critical to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and food security agenda.
> “In today’s digital age, the distortion of facts has become a major barrier to the acceptance of science,” Mustapha declared during a sensitization workshop. “False claims about GMOs have contributed to public skepticism and slowed the adoption of innovations that could revolutionize our food systems.”
Prof. Adeyeye advocated for clearer distinctions in grocery stores—between organic and non-organic foods—to give consumers the power to choose.
> “When you walk into a store, you’ll often see items labeled ‘organic.’ The same way, items that are genetically modified should also be clearly labelled. People must be empowered to choose based on their health goals, beliefs, or preferences,” she stressed.
While NAFDAC and allied agencies continue to certify and regulate the entry of GMOs into the country, the call for transparency, clear labelling, and consumer sensitization has never been louder. The message from NAFDAC is unambiguous: GMO foods are not the enemy—but ignorance and poor labelling might be.
As food security challenges mount amid inflation and climate stress, biotechnology remains a powerful tool. But for it to be embraced by the public, trust must be built—through facts, collaboration, and above all, honesty on the shelves.
PIONEER NEWS 