Amanze ChinonyeThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared that genetically modified (GM) foods are safe for human consumption in Nigeria, provided they pass strict scientific evaluation. However, the agency insists that all such products must be clearly labelled, in line with regulatory requirements.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the assurance during an interview on Thursday. She stated that the agency upholds global safety standards and only approves GM foods that have undergone thorough scientific assessment.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“GMOs are not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether the safety considerations have been taken,” she said.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that labelling is not optional, describing it as essential for transparency and consumer choice.
“It is the right of consumers to know what they are buying and consuming. Labelling must be done appropriately, and any product that is genetically modified must carry a label stating so,” she added.
NAFDAC clarified that it does not operate in isolation when it comes to approving genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The agency only registers GM foods after clearance by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) the statutory body responsible for evaluating the environmental and health safety of biotechnology products under the National Biosafety Management Act of 2015.
“NBMA handles the biosafety assessment. Once they approve, we evaluate it from a food safety perspective before allowing it into the market,” Adeyeye noted.
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The mandatory labelling of GM foods is supported by both the NAFDAC Act and Nigeria’s Biosafety Regulations, which emphasize transparency and the right of consumers to make informed decisions.
“The regulatory framework in Nigeria requires that any GMO food must be properly labelled. There is no room for ambiguity,” NAFDAC reiterated.
Nigeria has previously approved the commercial release of Bt cotton and genetically modified maize, which have undergone risk assessments for both environmental and human health impacts. NAFDAC ensures that such products meet national food safety standards before registration and distribution.
While the agency maintains that properly evaluated GMOs are safe, it acknowledged that some Nigerians remain skeptical about their long-term effects. In response, NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to public education, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
“We understand the fears and concerns. That’s why we are committed to full disclosure and rigorous monitoring,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
The agency also advised consumers to always read product labels and report any GM products lacking appropriate labelling.
“Consumers play a key role in food safety. If you see any product without proper labelling or you are in doubt, contact NAFDAC immediately,” the DG urged.
As Nigeria explores agricultural biotechnology to boost food security and adapt to climate change, the role of regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and NBMA becomes even more critical. Experts have called for sustained public awareness campaigns to bridge the information gap and build trust in the system.
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