NGO Raises Concern Over Conflict of Interest in Nigeria’s GMO Regulation
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has expressed concern over alleged conflicts of interest within Nigeria’s biotechnology regulatory system, warning that compromised oversight could expose the country to serious risks from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group cautioned that those tasked with regulating GMOs are often the same actors promoting them—sometimes with foreign funding—creating a situation that threatens national security, food sovereignty, and public health.
Hamzat acknowledged the potential benefits of biotechnology in agriculture and health but stressed that the risks of GMOs are well documented globally. He listed ecological damage, loss of indigenous seed sovereignty, corporate monopoly of food systems, and possible health concerns as dangers Nigeria cannot afford to ignore under a compromised framework.
“It is illogical to expect those actively promoting biotechnology, sometimes with external funding, to serve as impartial referees on the safety and risks of GMOs,” Hamzat said. “Biotechnology is too important to Nigeria’s future to be left in conflicted hands. Regulators must be independent, transparent, and accountable to the Nigerian people.”
PeacePro noted that unlike countries such as India and Brazil, which separate promoters from regulators to ensure independence, Nigeria continues to blur the lines, leaving its biosafety system vulnerable to external influence.
The organisation called for urgent reforms, including a clear separation of mandates between promoters and regulators, stronger parliamentary oversight, public involvement in biosafety decisions, and investment in independent scientific research within local universities.
Hamzat concluded by warning that Nigeria faces a “dangerous crossroads,” stressing that failure to reform could expose the nation’s food system, environment, and health to long-term dangers disguised as short-term technological solutions.
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