Abuja Rally Rekindles GMO Debate, Urges FG To Enforce 2024 Reps’ Resolution
As food prices soar and climate pressures mount, Nigeria’s long-running debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has returned to the national spotlight, with civil society groups warning that the country’s food future is at stake.
A broad coalition of farmers, scientists, health professionals, women and youth groups gathered in Abuja to demand an outright ban on GMOs and the immediate implementation of the House of Representatives’ 2024 resolution calling for their suspension.
The national rally for food sovereignty and environmental justice was organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance.
Addressing the rally, HOMEF’s Executive Director, represented by Director of Programmes Joyce Brown, cautioned that GMOs threaten Nigeria’s biodiversity, soil health and traditional farming systems, while undermining farmers’ ability to save and share seeds.
Other speakers raised concerns about regulatory gaps, alleged health risks and the economic burden placed on smallholder farmers who must repeatedly purchase patented seeds.
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) noted that many countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas have restricted or banned GMOs, citing environmental and public health concerns.
Speakers also questioned claims that GMOs significantly improve yields, referencing reports by farmer associations that suggest little or no long-term benefit.
At the end of the rally, protesters submitted a petition to the National Assembly, calling for the nullification of existing GMO permits, a ban on GMO imports and increased investment in agro-ecology and organic farming.
Organisers said the endorsement of more than 70 organisations reflects growing public resistance to the continued commercialisation of GMOs in Nigeria.
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