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The Federal Government, through the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has assured Nigerians that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in food are safe for consumption, provided proper safety evaluations and labelling protocols are followed.
Speaking during a live appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television breakfast show, on Thursday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said there is widespread misconception about GMOs, which often results in unnecessary public fear.
Adeyeye, a professor of pharmaceutics, emphasised that NAFDAC collaborates closely with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to ensure that all genetically modified food items are adequately tested and certified safe before entering the Nigerian market.
“GMOs are not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether safety considerations have been taken,” she stated.
Adeyeye shared her personal approach to healthy food choices, advising Nigerians to pay attention to product labelling.
“I’m a food freak. I want to know that what I’m eating will give me a good health outcome,” she said.
“I look at the label. I want to be sure NAFDAC’s label is on it… and if it’s genetically modified, it should be clearly written.”
According to her, food labelling gives consumers the power to make informed decisions, especially in distinguishing between organic and non-organic foods.
“You put labels [on foods] that are not organic, and people have the choice to buy which one they want,” she added.
Adeyeye further explained that while NAFDAC is responsible for approving food items for public consumption, it relies on technical inputs from NBMA before granting clearance.
“We cannot approve GMO foods without NBMA’s certification,” she stressed.
“Without them certifying that they have done their due diligence… we cannot proceed.”
She also noted that other regulatory bodies at the state level have roles to play in monitoring food safety at local markets, but NAFDAC’s primary mandate remains quality control, safety verification, and certification of food and drugs.
Her remarks come amid growing public concern about the quality of food items sold across markets in Nigeria, especially those believed to be genetically altered. Social media discourse and public commentary have heightened scrutiny on food safety standards.
Last month, the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) also attempted to allay public fears about GMO products. ‘
Its Director-General, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, said biotechnology remains vital to tackling Nigeria’s food insecurity and agricultural challenges.
“In today’s digital age, the distortion of facts has become a major barrier to the acceptance of science,” the NBRDA said during a sensitisation workshop held in Abuja for the House of Representatives Press Corps.
“False claims about GMOs have contributed to public scepticism and slowed down the adoption of technologies that can transform lives,” the agency added.
As the debate continues, NAFDAC is urging Nigerians to be vigilant, read product labels, and trust only certified brands that meet approved safety guidelines.
“The health of Nigerians is paramount,” Adeyeye affirmed.
“Our role is to ensure that every item approved for consumption is safe, of high quality, and contributes to the well-being of the people.”
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