Biotechnology and biosafety stakeholders met in Abuja to address the critical issues surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The Open Forum On Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigerian Chapter, is an Initiative of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (AATF) under the auspices of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), in collaboration with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), came together to discuss biotechnology in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of NBRDA, said the meeting was to engage in “constructive dialogue and deliberation on the complexities surrounding GMOs, a topic that touches upon the intersecting realms of agriculture, innovation, science and technology, health, and environment.”
He said the rapid advancement of biotechnology, particularly genetic engineering, has ushered in a new era of possibilities for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving human health, mitigating environmental challenges, and driving socio-economic development.
“Our world is at a critical juncture, where scientific advancements intersect with societal values and concerns.
“Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we engage in open, transparent, and inclusive dialogues surrounding biotechnology, particularly genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“The subject of GMOs has often been shrouded in misinformation, misunderstanding, fear, controversies, and concerns regarding their safety, regulation, ethical implications, and socio-economic impacts.
“However, as stewards of scientific progress, it is our duty to bridge this gap of knowledge and foster informed discussions that pave the way for evidence-based decision-making.”
Dr Rose M. Gidado, Director of the NBRDA’s Agricultural Biotechnology Department, stated that the meeting provides a forum for thoughtful discussion, evidence-based debate, and cooperative action to address the complex aspects of genetically modified organisms.
She stated that the goal of bringing together stakeholders from the public, government, business, academia, farmer groups, and civil society was to create a shared understanding of the issues at hand, find common ground, and develop a cooperative plan of action that puts the public interest, safety, and sustainability first.
Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said: “Let me remind this August gathering that no introduction of scientific innovation in the history of mankind, has been accepted by the people without resistance.
“Think of when cars were first introduced, vaccines like the polio vaccine, airplanes which have offered humanity one of the fastest ways of moving from one place to another, fertilizers etc. Did we imagine what the situation was when they were first introduced? Some of us in the room would remember the protest, and rejection that heralded the introduction of fertilisers, but today can any farmer achieve any meaningful harvest without the application of fertilizer?
“It is therefore imperative to acknowledge the pivotal role that innovation, science and technology play in driving progress and addressing the complex challenges facing our nation. GMOs represent a remarkable advancement in agricultural biotechnology, offering the potential to enhance crop yields, improve nutritional content, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on food security,” the minister said.
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