Silas Akpe delves into the misconceptions and unscientific claims surrounding Nigeria’s approval of genetically modified crops developed by local scientists, particularly the introduction of the Tela maize variety engineered for insect resistance and drought tolerance to enhance farmers’ yields.
Nigeria is confronting a historic food insecurity crisis. In response, the nation has turned to genetically modified (GM) crops to augment food production and mitigate the adverse effects of this looming scarcity. This adoption comes amid a persistent surge in food prices across the country.
The factors contributing to low agricultural productivity in Nigeria are multifaceted, with significant influences including climate change, drought, conflicts, insecurity and pest infestations. These challenges have collectively plunged the nation into an unprecedented food crisis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s food inflation rate reached a record high of 40.66 per cent in May 2024, surpassing the previous month’s 40.53 percent increase. This surge represents the largest year-on-year increase in food prices since records began in 1996. Historically, food inflation in Nigeria has averaged 13.42 percent, with the lowest point of -17.50 percent in January 2000.
The United Nations has predicted that 82 million Nigerians, approximately 35 per cent of the population, may face hunger by 2030, urging the government to address the primary causes of famine, such as climate change and pest infestations. At the launch of a remote sensing-based global crop monitoring system, CropWatch, in Abuja, Taofiq Braimoh, representing the Food and Agriculture Organisation, highlighted the severity of the situation. “Approximately 22 million Nigerians will face food insecurity in 2024, and around 80-82 million are at risk by 2030,” he said. “Leveraging technology is crucial to strengthening our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.”
In light of these challenges, Nigeria is adopting initiatives to optimise food production, such as approving GM corn for planting. In January, the Federal Government approved the commercial release of four Tela maize varieties, adding to the previously approved Bt Cowpea and Bt Cotton varieties developed by Nigerian scientists. This move places Nigeria second among African countries that have commercialised Tela maize varieties, following South Africa, according to a February report by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN).
Tela Maize Potentials
The Federal Government of Nigeria approved the commercial release of genetically modified insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, known as Tela maize, to boost agricultural output and tackle the hunger crisis. The approval was granted by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries (NCNRRCVLF) on January 11, 2024. The varieties approved are SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T and SAMMAZ 75T.
A January 2024 report by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) indicates that the new Tela maize varieties are drought-tolerant and resistant to stem-borer and fall armyworm, resulting in a yield advantage of up to 10 tonnes per hectare under good agronomic practices. The national average for similar hybrids is 6 tonnes per hectare. The varieties are suitable for Rain Forest, Guinea, and Sudan Savannas. Stem borers reduce maize production in several African countries, while fall armyworms can destroy up to 20 million metric tonnes of maize in Africa each year, enough to feed 100 million people.
The development of these improved varieties was led by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, through the Tela Maize public-private partnership coordinated by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). The Tela Maize Project is being implemented in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa.
Tela Maize Project manager, Dr. Sylvester Oikeh praised Nigeria’s decision and called on other African countries to follow suit. “I am encouraged by this decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria that reflects their commitment to the needs of farmers. I congratulate the scientists for their hard work and dedication that has brought this product closer to farmers,” he said.
How Safe are GMOs?
GMOs are Safe, Nigeria’s Agricultural Research System Insists.
A coalition of Nigeria’s agricultural research organisations, led by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), maintains that genetically modified crops are safe for humans, animals and the environment. This assertion was made during a World Press Conference on GM Technology in Agriculture held in Abuja in July.
The group, comprising the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), National Agricultural Seed Council, National Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Sheda Science and Technology Complex and National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)—the government agency regulating GMOs—unanimously affirmed the safety and benefits of genetically modified crops.
Leading the press conference, ARCN executive secretary, Prof. Garuba Sharubutu emphasised the council’s role in advising the Federal Government on agricultural research policies, including biotechnology applications to improve crop plants and livestock breeds. “Research Institutes have the mandate for genetic improvement of all staple and cash crops, livestock, and fisheries,” Sharubutu said. “Biotechnology has been used successfully to increase productivity in corn, soybean, and cotton by combating insect pests and drought in other parts of the world, including the USA, Europe, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa.”
Director-general of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha addressed the ongoing debate regarding the safety of GMO plants, reignited by the introduction of Tela maize. “Our aim is to alleviate public concerns, dispel misinformation and educate the nation on the proven safety and advantages of GMOs,” he said. “GMOs represent a crucial advancement in biotechnology, offering benefits in agriculture, food security, health, industry and the environment.”
Director-general of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and responsible regulation of GMOs in Nigeria. “The NBMA enforces standards, guidelines, and risk assessment procedures for GMOs. Our commitment is rooted in the National Biosafety Management Agency Act and its regulations,” she noted. “While concerns exist about long-term effects, the current scientific consensus, supported by the NBMA, is that GMO foods approved for consumption in Nigeria are safe.”
The NBMA conducts rigorous risk assessments before granting approvals for any GMO, evaluating potential risks to human health, the environment and biodiversity. “We actively engage with the public, stakeholders, and relevant organizations on biosafety, especially as it relates to human safety and biodiversity preservation in Nigeria,” Asagbra added.
Acting director-general of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Kahild Ishiak debunked misconceptions about the viability and safety of GMO seeds. “Seeds from GM materials that have been bred in Nigeria can be replanted. However, we advise farmers to buy new seeds for optimal yield, as planting offspring from harvested materials may lead to a yield decrease of 10-15 per cent and up to 25 per cent in some instances,” he said.
President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Architect Kabiru Ibrahim emphasised that attacks on GMOs are not in the interest of Nigerian farmers. “GMOs have given Nigerian farmers an opportunity for better earnings. We have planted the crops and found that the allegations against GMOs are unfounded,” he stated.
The Bigger Picture: Analysing Global Credibility of GMO Safety
The Nigerian government’s position on GMOs is supported by global scientific consensus.
A 2022 report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that GMO foods are as healthful and safe to eat as their non-GMO counterparts, and some GMO plants have been modified to improve their nutritional value.
A 2015 report by Harvard Medical School addressed public concerns about GMOs, stating that while each new product requires careful analysis, GMOs as a class are no more likely to be harmful than traditionally bred food sources.
Similarly, a 2014 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) asserts that GM foods currently available on the international market have passed safety assessments and are not likely to present risks to human health. The report adds that no effects on human health have been shown as a result of consuming such foods in countries where they have been approved.
As Nigeria faces a historic famine, the timely introduction of locally engineered biotech food crops is crucial. Embracing the cultivation and consumption of these crops will boost homegrown scientific efforts and enhance food security for the nation.
Akpe is a senior correspondent at Science Nigeria, with a decade of experience which cuts across agriculture, climate and environment sectors in Nigeria and West Africa. He is currently an International Development scholar at SOAS University, London.
