Dipo Olowookere
As part of efforts to protect Nigerians, especially in terms of food they consume, the Federal Government has organised a one-day programme to get informed views on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The interactive session is being put together by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture & Rural Development and Science & Technology.
Business Post correspondent gathered that authorities in the field would be present at the occasion in Abuja on Monday, August 15, 2016, to advise the government on the burning issue.
The event, tagged Experts Meeting on Biosafety Organisms (GMOs), is aimed at addressing public concerns on the safety of genetically modified foods and feeds, genetically modified organisms on biodiversity and socio-economic issues.
Also, the FG would be advised on policy direction and clarification of Nigeria’s position on Biotechnology and GMOs, taking into account the existence of various national instruments on biotechnology.
At the end of the day, the government should be able to find a direction on GMOs.
According to Wikipedia, a GMO is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
GMOs are used to produce many medications and genetically modified foods and are widely used in scientific research and the production of other goods.
The first genetically modified mouse was in 1973, and the first plant was produced in 1983.
In June 2016, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, said no genetically modified organisms are officially grown in Nigeria.
“What we have approved are for field trials,” she said, explaining that, “All the GMOs in Nigeria officially approved are under experimental fields.”
She disclosed this in a statement issued by Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf, Director Press, Federal Ministry of Environment, in Abuja to clarify fears about the issue.
