FG Urges Scientists to Deepen GMO Knowledge to Build Public Trust and Strengthen Biosafety in Nigeria
The Federal Government has called on scientists across ministries, departments, and agencies to strengthen their understanding of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to ensure that their feedback to the public remains factual, science-based, and devoid of ambiguity.
The call comes amid growing public division over the safety and use of GMOs in Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems.
PulseNets obtained that the appeal was made on Thursday in Abuja during a two-day capacity-building workshop focused on the science and regulation of GMOs. The event was organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria, under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
The workshop, themed “Biotechnology and Biosafety: Building Trust through Science and Facts,” provided a platform for experts, regulators, and government officials to discuss biotechnology’s potential while addressing public concerns about biosafety and food security.
Speaking at the opening session, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, told PulseNets that the public naturally looks to government institutions for direction and factual information about scientific advancements such as GMOs.
“We must ensure that our knowledge base remains accurate, current, and grounded in evidence. This will help us communicate clearly, dispel misconceptions, and guide the public based on facts,” she said.
Nko-Asanye further stressed the importance of adopting innovation responsibly, noting that while biotechnology can play a vital role in achieving sustainable food security, it must be implemented with “caution, knowledge, and strict adherence to regulatory standards.”
Similarly, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the NBRDA, told PulseNets that trust in biotechnology cannot be commanded by statements alone but must be earned through transparent and consistent engagement.
“To build public trust, we must be honest about both the immense potential of biotechnology and the valid questions people raise. Concerns about gene flow, socio-economic effects, and seed accessibility must be addressed with verifiable, evidence-based answers,” he said.
He emphasised that government agencies and research bodies must publish trial data, disclose food safety methods, and make monitoring results available to regulators, civil society, and the general public.
“Scientific progress must go hand in hand with strong safety assessments, clear policy direction, and open dialogue with citizens,” Mustapha added.
He also described agricultural biotechnology as a means to an end, not an end in itself — a tool meant to deliver tangible benefits such as improved resilience to pests and drought, and reduced dependence on chemical pesticides.
On his part, Dr. Bello Bwari, Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), spoke to PulseNets on the importance of balancing caution with optimism.
“It’s normal for people to express fears about new technologies, but we must not allow fear to hinder progress. Nigerians should embrace the positive aspects of GMOs that can help improve food availability and security,” he said.
Bwari assured that all GMO products approved for use in Nigeria undergo rigorous evaluation processes to ensure their safety for humans and the environment.
Also Read: Stakeholders call for ban on GMOs, demand nullification of all permits
“We have a strong biosafety framework that guarantees that any GMO released in Nigeria meets the highest global safety standards,” he added.
The two-day workshop concluded with a collective call for more collaboration between regulators, scientists, and the public to build trust through transparency, evidence, and open communication—ensuring that biotechnology serves as a driver of both innovation and national food security.
