Unpacking the GMO Debate: NAFDAC’s Conflicting Messages on Food Safety – Insights from EnviroNews

For Nigeria’s 250 million citizens, the ongoing debate about genetically modified (GM) foods continues to generate confusion and debate. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), recently made conflicting statements about the safety of GM foods, leaving the public unsure of what to believe.

In August 2025, Adeyeye claimed, “GMOs are not bad for us…depending on what type of foods they are and whether the safety conditions have been taken.” Yet, just months earlier, she stated that “we have not registered a single GMO product” due to safety concerns. Many people were quick to point out this contradiction, questioning how she could misquote herself.

This issue gained traction when over 80 NGOs rallied together, led by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF). They accused NAFDAC of failing to produce solid evidence on the safety of GM foods. Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s Executive Director, warned that the risks extend beyond health. Reports indicate that Nigerian farmers who grew genetically modified Bt cotton found their soil unable to support traditional crops after just three years. This has raised alarms about biodiversity loss and reliance on chemical herbicides.

Looking at research from Iran, Prof. Johnson Ekpere criticized NAFDAC, highlighting studies where rats fed GM soybeans showed significant organ damage. Additionally, Dr. Ifeanyi Casmir pointed out that Bt crops could be releasing harmful toxins. Concerns over food security were also raised, with fears that indigenous farming methods may ultimately be replaced by less durable GM seeds.

Interestingly, some believe that ongoing conflicts in Nigeria could be strategically isolating farmers from their lands, pushing them toward dependence on GM technology imported from abroad. Prof. Adeyeye’s assurances that NAFDAC hasn’t approved any GM materials raise eyebrows, especially since there have been claims of controversial GM maize approvals.

After increased scrutiny from the NGOs, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, convened a meeting with NAFDAC and NBMA to address these issues. However, Prof. Adeyeye remained adamant that consumers should decide what GM products to purchase, despite many Nigerians lacking the means to make informed choices, especially when fake labels abound.

The historical context here is significant. The late Prof. Dora Akunyili is often remembered for reforming NAFDAC, and many hope for similar leadership from Adeyeye. Calls for a Senate ban on all GM foods are growing stronger, as advocates push for more defined actions against questionable agricultural practices.

In a world where GM foods are frequently rejected elsewhere, many wonder why Nigeria’s situation should differ. The voices of concerned citizens and experts alike point toward the need for transparency, accountability, and a serious reevaluation of our agricultural policies.

With ongoing discussions and mounting public outcry, it is clear that the debate over GM foods in Nigeria is far from over. The question remains: will the government take effective measures to safeguard the health and future of its people? For further reading on GMOs and public health concerns, check out the World Health Organization.

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Conflicting narrative,Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs),National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)