The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to suspend the introduction of new Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) crops in the country.

The resolution followed an adoption of a motion by Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara) at plenary on Thursday.

The parliament recommended that all GMO introductions be suspended pending the completion of a comprehensive investigation by the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services and the publication of the findings.

Moving the motion, Mr Shagaya explained that genetically modified crops are plants used for agricultural purposes whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering methods.

He said the recent introduction of genetically modified crops in Nigeria has raised serious questions about safety. The lawmaker said concerns have also been raised on regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem following the introduction of GMOs.

“Aware that genetically modified foods can be created to contain almost anything, including genes which have higher level of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health. Introducing these crops has led to public outcries, with serious concerns expressed about the potential risks these GM crops may pose to human health, environmental degradation, and food security.

“The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has been accused of approving the introduction of GM crops into Nigeria without following due process and scientific protocols.

“Concerned that these GM crops are being introduced into Nigeria at a time when the said crops have been banned in several countries like France, Russia, Germany, China, India, and a host of other countries in Europe due to safety concerns,” he said.

The lawmaker said introducing genetically modified crops could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s food security. According to him, it could transfer control to foreign biotechnology companies, primarily driven by profit and cost reduction.

He said GMO crops’ long-term impact on human health remains uncertain, prompting precautionary measures due to potential health risks, including cancer, antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, and reproductive issues.

Mr Shagaya said there was a need to prioritise public health, biodiversity, and traditional farming practices due to uncertainties surrounding the long-term impact of GMOs on health, environment, and food security.

The green chambers urge the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cause the already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria to be properly labelled to safeguard consumers.

In his ruling, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu mandated the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of GMOs by NBMA.

The deputy speaker mandated the committee to assess the potential health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops and report back within four weeks. The committee also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Food experts had earlier called for the prohibition of the consumption and promotion of GMOs in the country. They urged the National Assembly to amend the NBMA Act to prohibit GMOs’ use, consumption, and promotion.

Qrisstuberg Amua, the director-general of the Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, said eliminating GMOs in the country was “a matter of national security.”

(NAN)