By Ita Williams
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has raised concerns over the increased presence of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products in Nigerian markets, and therefore called on the federal and state governments to legislate against GMO products to safeguard public health and ensure environmental sustainability.
The group, which staged a peaceful protest in Calabar, Friday, lamented the health and environmental risks associated with such products and described GMO food products as hazardous.
The protest was led the Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF) in collaboration with Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance. The protesters thereafter paid advocacy visits to the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) office and the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Presenting a protest letter to ADP Program Manager Mr. Bassey Emogor and Hon. Agbor Ovat, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Sanitation, PPDF Coordinator, Isua-Ikoh said they were out to educate members of the public about the dangers of GMOs.
“We are here to sensitize the masses about GMO products circulating in Nigerian markets. You cannot differentiate them from other products, and they are unsafe for consumption and harmful to our environment. Unfortunately, the federal government has endorsed them,” he noted..
Receiving the petition on behalf of the ADP, Technical Director Mr. Ifork Sunday acknowledged the concerns raised. He assured the coalition that efforts were underway, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, to address the issues.
Similarly, Mr. Augustine Ukukong, representing the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, expressed concern over the risks posed by GMOs.
He pledged that the petition would receive urgent legislative attention, emphasizing the Assembly’s commitment to protecting public safety.
“No stone will be left unturned to address this issue,” Ukukong said.
In a chat with journalists, Isua-Ikoh reiterated the coalition’s appeal for a total ban on GMOs, noting “GMO products come with significant health and environmental risks, including a possible link to rising cancer cases. The labeling of these products is not a solution because they are sold unmarked in open markets. The only viable solution is a complete ban.”
Policy Alert Program Officer Lawrence Peter described the introduction of GMOs into Nigeria as a “grave mistake.”
He criticized the National Biosafety Management Agency for not properly consulting citizens before approving GMOs, and therefore called for stricter regulation and public involvement.
“GMO products have the potential to cause cancer and other health issues. We are saying no to GMOs and everything they represent,” Peter declared.
