Nigeria currently cultivates four genetically modified (GMO) crops, beans (cowpea), maize, cotton, and rice, for commercial production. These approvals are the result of regulatory oversight by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which has cleared 33 GMO crop varieties in total, though only four are currently permitted for cultivation, and actual production and consumption remain limited.
Public debate over GMO safety is growing, with some groups voicing concerns about possible health and environmental risks. In response, Nigerian scientists in the biotechnology sector emphasise that such fears are not supported by credible scientific evidence. They highlight that GMOs, organisms whose genetic makeup has been altered through biotechnology to enhance traits like pest resistance, faster growth, or drought tolerance, have the potential to raise crop yields, reduce pesticide dependence, improve food security, and help farmers adapt to climate pressures.
Central to the introduction and management of GMOs in Nigeria is the NBMA Act of 2015, which established a comprehensive framework for the safe handling, use, and release of genetically modified organisms. This framework, aligned with Nigeria’s obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, seeks to prevent adverse effects on human health, the environment, and biodiversity, while ensuring proper labelling, rigorous risk assessments, and active public engagement.
Nigeria approved its first GMO crop, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton, for commercial cultivation in 2018, followed by Bt cowpea in 2019 and drought-tolerant, insect-resistant TELA maize in 2024.
GMO adoption has sparked varied responses worldwide. While some countries have fully embraced the technology to boost agricultural productivity and resilience, others maintain strict limits or outright bans due to safety, environmental, or trade concerns.
In Africa, Nigeria stands out with 33 approved GMO crops, second only to South Africa, which leads the continent with 82 approvals. Several other African nations, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and Eswatini, have also adopted GMO crops, focusing largely on cotton and maize
Some countries permit imports of GMO food but ban domestic cultivation. Others only allow GMO use in non-food sectors. This mixed global landscape reflects ongoing debate, cultural preferences, and national policy priorities.
GMOs’ potential for food security and the road ahead for Nigeria
One of the most widely cited benefits of GMO technology is its potential to combat food insecurity by increasing farm productivity, stabilising yields, and boosting household incomes.
Although no dataset outrightly measures the full global impact of GMO crops on food security, a 2024 study titled “Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security” provides compelling evidence from specific contexts. According to the study, in India, the widespread adoption of insect-resistant GM cotton has delivered measurable nutritional and economic benefits for farming families.
The survey of 1,431 cotton-producing households found that, after accounting for other factors, GM cotton adoption significantly increased calorie intake and improved dietary diversity. These gains, driven largely by higher family earnings, reduced food insecurity among adopting households by 15–20%, demonstrating how targeted biotechnology can translate into tangible improvements in livelihoods and nutrition.
Source: NIH | Analysis: Dataphyte
However, while GMOs have demonstrated the ability to reduce food insecurity, they are not a stand-alone solution to national or global hunger. Their wider impact is shaped by factors such as the specific crops that are genetically modified, the scale and demographics of farmer adoption, and the broader economic, infrastructural, and policy landscape.
In essence, GM technology is a valuable tool in addressing food insecurity, but its success at scale depends on being integrated with complementary agricultural practices, robust markets, and supportive social and policy measures.
In terms of safety, NBMA Director-General Dr. Rufus Ebegba, speaking at a science forum, emphasised that all approved GMO crops in Nigeria undergo extensive evaluation before release. According to him, “The approved genetically modified foods had been subjected to a rigorous process and scrutiny. Before the official release of GMOs, it would take up to thirteen years of rigorous process to do a risk assessment on the issues of culture, environment, and human health.”
GMO science is already part of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, but its long-term role will depend on how effectively Nigeria closes regulatory gaps, fosters public trust through transparency and engagement.
Source: Marina & Maitama by Dataphayte
