By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has debunked long-standing myths around Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), citing over 2,000 scientific studies and endorsements from global science bodies confirming their safety.
Salako, while debunking the myth at a sensitization workshop on Biotechnology and Biosafety held at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday said, “We must shape our policies based on evidence, not fear or vested interests”.
The Minister took a firm stand against misinformation surrounding GMOs, calling on critics to present peer-reviewed evidence to support their claims.
“For over three decades, more than 2,000 scientific studies have consistently shown that GMO foods are as safe as conventional foods. In fact, some offer superior health benefits”, he said.
Dr. Salako cited a consensus among top global scientific bodies including the US National Academy of Sciences, the Union of German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, and over 275 independent scientific organizations affirming GMO safety.
“In 2012, 110 Nobel laureates publicly stated that crops improved through biotechnology are as safe as, if not safer than, traditional crops due to the rigorous scrutiny they undergo”, he added.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is working closely with relevant agencies such as the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), and NAFDAC to strengthen oversight and labeling of GMO products in Nigeria’s food markets.
He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which highlights the strategic role of science and innovation in national development. According to the Minister, Nigeria aims to become Africa’s ‘Blue Zone’ a hub of longevity, productivity, and sustainable prosperity.
Minister Salako also declared biotechnology as a critical pillar for the country’s healthcare transformation, urging Nigerians to embrace its potential while dismissing long-standing fears over the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
He said, “Biotechnology opens doors to innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, and the production of vaccines using recombinant DNA technology.
“This is how we can improve maternal and child health, tackle endemic diseases, and enhance overall quality of life”.
Dr. Salako stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the opportunities biotechnology offers, especially in addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving healthcare delivery systems.
Speaking on the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Dr. Salako said mechanisms such as labeling of GMOs and pre-market approvals are already being enforced, while calling for more collaboration among researchers, industry, regulators, and the public.
“Our policies must be evidence-based, not driven by fear or vested interests. We remain open to constructive dialogue, but we will not allow misinformation to hinder progress”, he said.
