With the influx of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) food crops into Nigerian markets, experts are drumming support for farmers in the country, urging governments to provide them with necessary tools and friendly environment to meet Nigeria’s food demands.

The call came from the Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr Nimmoh Bassey and other stakeholders at a sensitization workshop tagged Transforming the Nigerian Food System in Benin City.

The workshop which had in attendance policy makers, farmer groups, Non Governmental Organizations, civil society groups, medical practitioners, scientists, scholars, students, amongst others, highlighted the dangers of GMO seedlings being circulated to farmers across the country. 

According to him, governments have dropped the ball in the protection of Nigerians accepting narratives that do not serve the interest of Nigerians.

Dr Nnimmo Bassey noted that with adequate support for small scale farmers, Nigeria can increase productivity, reduce waste and strength our local economy.

A food safety activist and nutritionist Dr. Jackie Ikeotuonye has asked the National Biosafety Management Agency to focus its efforts on providing regulation as provided for by its establishing Act rather than providing defence for GMO companies operating in Nigeria.

Dr Ikeotuonye also asked the government to mandate GMO companies to provide proper labeling for their products to distinguish them from organic products.

She said the misplaced priority of the regulator has left Nigerians at the mercies of the GMO companies.

While highlighting the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the Southeast Vice President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lovelyn Ejim asked government to invest in farm equipments that are women friendly.

Other speakers included environmental, human and food rights advocate, Mariann Bassey-Orovwuje: and Professor Tatfeng Mirabeau of the Medical Microbiology and Immunology College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State.