Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have long been promoted as a solution to food insecurity. They also promise higher yields, resistance to pests and reduced pesticide use.
However, behind these promises lies concerns about corporate control that threatens Nigeria’s food sovereignty.
As multinational biotechnology corporations gain control over seed markets through intellectual property laws, smallholder farmers who remain the backbone of Nigeria’s agriculture sector are increasingly at risk of dependency and economic exploitation.
In Nigeria, the debate over GMOs is yet to be over as concerns grow about their long-term impact on local agriculture, biodiversity and food independence.
Organisation such as the Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), led by Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua, is at the forefront of advocacy against the corporate control of Nigeria’s seed markets.
CEFSAR warned that if left unchecked, the widespread adoption of GMO crops could result in the loss of traditional seed varieties, increased production costs and a shift in economic power from Nigerian farmers to global agribusiness giants.
Nigeria’s journey with GMO crops began in the early 2000s when discussions on modern biotechnology gained momentum. However, it was in 2016 that Nigeria formally embraced GMOs, with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) approving the commercial release of Bt cotton developed by Mahyco, an Indian subsidiary of Monsanto (now Bayer).
Since then, Nigeria has expanded its GMO portfolio, including the introduction of genetically modified cowpea (PBR cowpea) in 2019 to combat the notorious pod borer pest. This was developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In 2021, the country introduced TELA maize, a drought-tolerant and insect-resistant variety, as part of an initiative led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the AATF.
At present, GMO crops in Nigeria are primarily produced by Bayer, developer of Bt cotton, Corteva Agriscience, engaged in various biotechnology projects, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), facilitating partnerships for GMO adoption and the institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), involved in local GMO crop development.
Despite the government’s insistence that GMOs will enhance Nigeria’s food security, concerns persist over the economic and ecological implications of ceding control of seeds to foreign corporations.
CEFSAR warned that GMOs represent an “economic Trojan Horse” for Nigeria. Countries like India and Argentina serve as cautionary tales, where initial success stories have given way to cycles of farmer debt, dependency on expensive patented seeds and environmental degradation.
Experts argued that one of the major challenges associated with GMOs is the loss of farmers’ autonomy. Multinational seed companies enforce strict intellectual property laws, preventing farmers from saving and replanting GMO seeds without repurchasing them each season.
For instance, the above has already led to legal battles worldwide, such as the Bowman v. Monsanto case in the U.S, where a farmer was sued for replanting patented soybean seeds.
For Nigerian farmers, this dependency could lead to increased production costs, pushing smallholders who make up the majority of the country’s agricultural workforce into financial distress.
Additionally, the long-term effects on soil health and biodiversity remain unclear, as GMOs often require specific herbicides and fertilisers that could disrupt local ecosystems.
According to Prof Amua, Nigeria must resist corporate dominance over its seed markets and reclaim control over its agricultural destiny.
He said, “Nigeria should legislate an outright ban on the cultivation and commercial release of GMOs, following the lead of countries like France, Germany and Zambia.
“We also advise Nigeria to imbibe a robust system of environmental and health risk assessments. Mandatory GMO labeling and traceability throughout the supply chain should be implemented.”
Addressing the needs of smallholder farmers, CEFSAR emphasised, “Financial incentives and training programs should be provided to support small-scale farmers in maintaining traditional, non-GMO farming practices. National seed banks should be established to preserve indigenous crop varieties. National and regional action plans should be developed to conserve agricultural biodiversity and promote non-GMO agricultural practices.”
CEFSAR called for “Comprehensive public information campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about the risks of GMOs, while ensuring the representation of farmers and consumers in policy-making processes.”
