Four Nigerian federal agencies have given a thumbs-up to the performance of genetically modified (GM) maize and cowpea after inspecting demonstration farms in a “Seeing is Believing” tour.
The tour was led by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and included officials from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA). It was aimed at deepening the agencies’ understanding of GM crop performance and biosafety regulation in Nigeria.
Guiding the delegation through the fields, Dr. Yarama Ndipaya of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) showcased the yield advantage and resilience of GM crops over conventional varieties.
“We are struggling to meet the growing demand from farmers for TELA Maize and Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea seeds,” Dr. Ndipaya said. “These improved varieties consistently outperform traditional crops in yield, pest resistance, and adaptability. Farmers themselves are testifying to the benefits.”
He noted that GMO technology provides targeted solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges, adding: “It is our responsibility to ensure smallholder farmers have access to innovations that can boost productivity and secure livelihoods.”
Dr. Rose Gidado, NABDA’s Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, praised the success of PBR Cowpea, stressing that Nigeria remains the world’s largest producer and consumer of the crop. She expressed confidence in the safety and science of GMOs, pointing out that over 45 countries—including the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana—have adopted the technology.
For farmers, the results speak volumes. “TELA maize has significantly improved my yields. The difference is clear,” said Mr. Andrew Nanfwang, a local farmer.
Mr. Segun Alao of the NOA described the visit as eye-opening: “It gave us the chance to engage experts, ask tough questions, and see firsthand how the technology works. This helps us better contextualize the GMO debate, especially around safety and regulation.”
The tour forms part of broader efforts to build public trust in agricultural biotechnology through transparency, evidence-based communication, and stakeholder engagement.
