The Federal Government, through the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has assured Nigerians that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in food products are safe for consumption — as long as proper safety evaluations and labeling protocols are followed.

Speaking during a live interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, addressed growing public concern over GMO food items, attributing widespread fear to misinformation and misunderstanding.

“GMOs are not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether safety considerations have been taken,” said Adeyeye, a professor of pharmaceutics.

She emphasized that NAFDAC works in close coordination with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which is primarily responsible for certifying GMO products before they reach the Nigerian market. NAFDAC, she noted, does not grant approval for any genetically modified food item without NBMA’s clearance.

“We cannot approve GMO foods without NBMA’s certification,” Adeyeye said. “Without them certifying that they have done their due diligence, we cannot proceed.”

Importance of Food Labelling

Highlighting the role of food labelling in consumer protection, Adeyeye urged Nigerians to be more attentive when shopping.

“I’m a food freak. I want to know that what I’m eating will give me a good health outcome,” she said. “I look at the label. I want to be sure NAFDAC’s label is on it… and if it’s genetically modified, it should be clearly written.”

She explained that product labelling empowers consumers to make informed dietary choices, especially in identifying organic and non-organic food items.

“You put labels [on foods] that are not organic, and people have the choice to buy which one they want,” she added.

While NAFDAC handles food safety, verification, and certification at the federal level, Adeyeye noted that state-level agencies also play key roles in monitoring food markets and ensuring public health.

Rising Concerns Over Food Quality

Adeyeye’s remarks come amid increasing public anxiety over food safety, particularly regarding genetically modified products. Discussions on social media and within civil society have spotlighted fears about food quality and long-term health impacts.

In response, both NAFDAC and the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) have launched sensitisation campaigns aimed at correcting misinformation about biotechnology in agriculture.

Last month, NBRDA Director-General Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha reiterated the importance of GMOs in addressing food insecurity and agricultural challenges in Nigeria.

“In today’s digital age, the distortion of facts has become a major barrier to the acceptance of science,” the agency said during a workshop in Abuja.

“False claims about GMOs have contributed to public scepticism and slowed down the adoption of technologies that can transform lives.”

Vigilance and Consumer Responsibility

NAFDAC has advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and only consume food products that are properly certified and labelled.

“The health of Nigerians is paramount,” Adeyeye affirmed.
“Our role is to ensure that every item approved for consumption is safe, of high quality, and contributes to the well-being of the people.”

As the GMO debate continues, health regulators are calling for more public education, responsible media reporting, and policy-driven engagement to help Nigerians separate scientific fact from fiction.