THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has found itself at the center of a heated debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria after receiving $1m and $90,000 grants from foreign donors.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye made the u-turn after receiving grants from foreign donors as against her earlier stance on Arise TV live program where she maintained that GMOs are not safe for consumption.
Background
NAFDAC has received significant funding from international organizations, including grants from the Global Fund to strengthen its operations and build capacity in pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction monitoring. The agency has also collaborated with foreign partners, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
The Debate
Adeyeye is now emphasizing that GMOs are safe if properly regulated, but some critics argue that the agency’s stance has been influenced by foreign donors. The controversy surrounding GMOs has raised concerns about food safety, environmental impact, and the potential for foreign control over Nigeria’s food systems.
Key Issues
Standarddailypress.com gathered that NAFDAC has been working closely with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to ensure that GMO products are properly tested and certified safe before entering the Nigerian market.
Implications
The controversy surrounding NAFDAC’s stance on GMOs highlights the complexities of regulating food safety in Nigeria. As the agency continues to navigate these challenges, it remains to be seen how its stance on GMOs will impact the Nigerian food industry and public health.
