NABDA Sensitises Islamic Leaders on GMOs to Strengthen Food Security
The National Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA, is urging the country to embrace science and technology as a strategy to achieve food security and combat climate change.
Speaking in Abuja at a sensitisation workshop for the Islamic community on genetically modified crops, the Director-General and CEO of NABDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, said the programme is designed to dispel misconceptions about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and reassure Nigerians about their safety.
Professor Mustapha said influential groups, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, lawmakers and the judiciary, are being engaged because of their critical role in shaping public opinion.
“We work with legislators, the judiciary, traditional rulers, and faith leaders because they are very close to society and their voices hold credence,” he said.
He stressed that genetically modified crops are safe, drought-resistant and capable of boosting yields, reducing hunger and creating wealth for farmers.
Addressing concerns that GMO adoption could open Nigeria’s food chain to foreign control, Professor Mustapha dismissed such fears, insisting that the seeds are developed and distributed locally.
“We are not ceding control to anybody. These seeds are produced by indigenous companies in Nigeria,” he said.
The NABDA chief explained that efforts are underway to expand local seed production, making improved varieties more accessible and affordable to farmers across the country.
Biotechnology, global food security
The workshop also featured a presentation by NABDA’s Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dr Rose Gidado, who described biotechnology as a key driver of global food security and sustainable agriculture.
She said modern scientific tools, including genetic engineering and gene editing, are being deployed to develop crops that can withstand pests, diseases and extreme weather conditions.
“Gene editing allows scientists to work within a plant’s genetic makeup to remove traits that make crops vulnerable to pests or drought,” Dr Gidado explained.
According to her, the technology reduces pesticide use, conserves water, and minimises environmental damage. She stressed that every GMO product undergoes rigorous safety assessments to protect human health, animals and the environment.
Dr Gidado highlighted additional benefits, such as pest and disease resistance, longer shelf life for produce, and improved yields for farmers.
“Nigeria has so far commercialised three genetically modified crops, cotton, cowpea and maize, engineered to resist pests and improve productivity,” she said.
Global Impact and Economic Potential
Dr Gidado also pointed to the global benefits of biotechnology, noting that over the past two decades, GMO crops have generated more than $186 billion in farm income, saved 183 million hectares of land from cultivation, and reduced pesticide use by 18 percent.
“Biotech crops have helped cut carbon emissions equivalent to removing 16 million cars from the road for a year and improved the livelihoods of 17 million smallholder farmers and their families — more than 65 million people globally,” she added.
She said Nigeria could reap similar benefits through strategic investments and partnerships, positioning the country as a leader in agricultural innovation.
The sensitisation programme, organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Nigeria chapter, under NABDA and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), aims to build trust among faith leaders and encourage public acceptance of modern agricultural technologies.
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