As a professor, plant geneticist and former Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, I have dedicated over three decades to advancing Nigeria’s agriculture through rigorous, evidence-based research. On 30 August, I appeared on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” to discuss the safety, efficacy, and regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. I shared outcomes from my work on pod borer-resistant cowpea. My goal was to offer factual insights into how these innovations can help our farmers combat pests, boost yields, and reduce pesticide use. These are challenges I have witnessed firsthand in fields across our nation. However, the segment sparked intense backlash on social media. Accusations arose that my statements were misleading or part of a hidden agenda tied to foreign interests. I appreciate the passion in these discussions. Food security touches every Nigerian family. But I must respond candidly with science, not speculation, to clarify the facts and humanise this debate. Our farmers deserve tools that work, and misinformation only hinders progress.
Let me start by addressing the personal attacks. Some highlighted funding from the Gates Foundation for the Bt cowpea project. They suggested it compromises my independence. Yes, the Gates Foundation, through partners like the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), has supported this research since 2008. It provided resources for trials and development. This funding enabled Nigerian scientists like me to adapt Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) technology to protect cowpea from the Maruca vitrata pest, which destroys up to 80 per cent of yields. Bt is a natural bacterium used safely in organic farming for decades. But let us be clear, this is collaborative science, not control. The intellectual property for Bt cowpea is held by public institutions, and Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) oversees all approvals. I have led this “10-year slow walk” of local trials. I ensured the variety suits our soils and farmers. Accusations of foreign overreach ignore the reality. Without such partnerships, resource-limited nations like ours would lag in innovation. I invite critics to visit our labs in Zaria. We are building Nigeria’s capacity, not surrendering it.
Now, to the core narratives fueling the suspicion. I will address them one by one. I ground my responses in peer-reviewed evidence and my own fieldwork. At the same time, I acknowledge legitimate concerns about equity and long-term monitoring.
Food sovereignty and national security: Are GMOs a threat?
Critics frame GMOs as a “Trojan horse” for foreign control. They say these threaten our biodiversity and sovereignty. I understand this fear. Our history demands vigilance. But scientifically, Bt cowpea enhances sovereignty by reducing import dependency. Nigeria produces four million tons of cowpea annually. Yet, pests cost us billions in losses and force heavy pesticide use. Our GMO variety, SAMPEA 20T, cuts sprays by 80 per cent. It saves farmers money and health risks. Environmental assessments by NBMA confirm no significant biodiversity harm. These align with global studies showing GM crops can support ecosystem services without contamination risks, when managed properly. Rather than a threat, this is empowerment. It is Nigerian-led, for Nigerian farmers.
A persistent claim is that of GMOs link to cancer, infertility, or ecosystem poisoning. The World Health Organisation states unequivocally that approved GM foods pose no greater health risks than conventional ones. There are no verified adverse effects after decades of use. On the environment, studies show Bt crops reduce pesticide runoff. This benefits soil microbes and biodiversity.
Global partners’ overreach: Is this about dominance?
The narrative extends to claims that partners like the Gates Foundation and USAID dictate policies for economic capture. Candidly, funding comes with strings like transparency reporting. But decisions rest with us. The Gates Foundation’s support for cowpea aims at nutrition for over 200 million Africans, not profit. It is grant-based, not commercial. I have collaborated internationally, but my allegiance is to Nigeria’s smallholder farmers. If we reject all aid, how do we fund the research? Let us demand accountability, yes. But let us not dismiss tools that have lifted yields in countries like South Africa and Burkina Faso before its Bt cotton phase-out. That phase-out was due to economic issues, not safety ones.
Regulatory capture and corruption: Can we trust our institutions?
Accusations that NBMA and NABDA are biased toward corporate interests erode public trust. I share concerns about transparency. It is vital. But NBMA’s process involves multi-year trials, public input, and alignment with Codex Alimentarius standards. For Bt cowpea, we conducted confined field trials across Nigeria. We proved safety before the 2019 approval. Independent audits could strengthen this. But dismissing it as “capture” overlooks the science. Over 280 global institutions affirm GMO safety when regulated.
Health and environmental risks: Do GMOs cause harm?
A persistent claim is that of GMOs link to cancer, infertility, or ecosystem poisoning. The World Health Organisation states unequivocally that approved GM foods pose no greater health risks than conventional ones. There are no verified adverse effects after decades of use. On the environment, studies show Bt crops reduce pesticide runoff. This benefits soil microbes and biodiversity. A 17-year study on GM corn found no negative soil impacts. In fact, no-till practices with GMOs enhance soil health. I addressed this on Arise TV. GMOs can enrich soil by minimising tillage and chemical inputs. While monitoring is essential, fear-mongering ignores this evidence.
Suspicion of inflated yield claims: Are benefits real?
Doubts about yields for crops like TELA maize or Bt cowpea dismiss them as public relations. Field data tells otherwise. Bt cowpea boosts yields by 20 to 30 per cent in pest-prone areas. This is verified through independent trials. Global meta-analyses confirm GM crops increase outputs while cutting inputs. We need more local studies. But the benefits are tangible for our farmers.
Claims arise that media like Arise TV uncritically promotes GMOs. They say it is influenced by funders. I urge balanced reporting. Include critics. But let us fact-check. My interview was evidence-based, not scripted. Misinformation, like unproven health scares, harms more than helps.
Economic disempowerment of farmers: Dependency on patented seeds?
A key worry is that GMOs lock farmers into buying seeds annually. This erodes autonomy. For Bt cowpea, this is not the case. Farmers can save and replant seeds legally. It is not under restrictive patents like some commercial hybrids. While some GMOs require contracts, ours prioritises accessibility. Reduced pesticide costs offset any expenses. This empowers smallholders I have mentored.
Media complicity and misinformation: Who is spreading propaganda?
Claims arise that media like Arise TV uncritically promotes GMOs. They say it is influenced by funders. I urge balanced reporting. Include critics. But let us fact-check. My interview was evidence-based, not scripted. Misinformation, like unproven health scares, harms more than helps.
Calls for bans or moratoria: Precaution or paralysis?
Demands for outright bans until “proven safe” frame this as national defense. Precaution is wise. But Bt cowpea met Codex standards and local regulations. A moratorium risks delaying solutions to hunger amid climate change.
In closing, I speak not as a defender of agendas, but as a Nigerian scientist committed to our people’s well-being. The backlash hurts, but it sparks needed dialogue. Let us engage with facts. Visit farms, review studies, collaborate. Together, we can ensure innovations like Bt cowpea serve Nigeria. They nourish families without compromise. I am open to discussions. Our future depends on it.
Mohammad Faguji Ishiyaku, the former executive director of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru, is a professor of Plant Breeding at the Department of Plant Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
