The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) has endorsed all commercially released genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and foods in Nigeria as natural and safe for humans, livestock and the environment.

The association disclosed this at a symposium on biotechnology organised in honour of Vincent Tenebe, chairman of the board of trustees of the BSN, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Tenebe noted that the controversy surrounding the safety of GMOs was a false narrative propagated by anti-GMOs who don’t wish Nigeria or Africa to be food-sufficient.

He said the issue was not about safety but business and that those against the technology were bent on keeping Africa perpetually reliant on food importation.

“God gave man the ability to change and modify to our own advantage, and that is what we are doing with GMOs as biological scientists. Don’t be deceived by what anti-GMOs are telling you. GMO is natural. They are trying to bring confusing ideas whenever they see that Africa is about to have a breakthrough,’’ he said.

Mr Tenebe, also the erstwhile vice-chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, maintained that Africa remains the greatest centre of biodiversity, and its resources were in high demand.

He said that contrary to anti-GMOs opinions, there was nothing wrong with GMOs.

(NAN)