Nigeria is stepping into the global debate on food transparency as authorities move to enforce mandatory labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a policy aimed at helping consumers know exactly what is on their plates.
The push, driven by agencies such as the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), seeks to balance agricultural innovation with consumer rights. Officials say the goal is to improve trust in the food system while allowing Nigerians to make informed choices.
At a sensitisation workshop in Abuja, John Atanda, Director of Food and Drug Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the government would enforce mandatory labelling and traceability for GM crops in collaboration with NBMA and NAFDAC.
NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye also reassured Nigerians that GM foods are safe once they pass rigorous scientific evaluation, stressing that transparency is key. “GMOs are not inherently harmful, but they must be clearly labelled,” she said.
Experts say the policy aligns Nigeria with global practices seen in the European Union, China, and Brazil, where GMO labelling is mandatory, though enforcement challenges remain—especially in informal markets.
Agricultural scientists argue biotechnology can boost food security, citing innovations like TELLA maize, which reportedly increases yields by up to 50 per cent. But civil society groups insist that strict enforcement, public education, and clear labelling will be crucial to building consumer confidence.
As Nigeria pushes forward with the policy, stakeholders say the real test will be ensuring compliance across the food supply chain, giving Nigerians the information they need to choose between traditional, organic, or biotech foods.
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