An open market approach to full-scale adoption of genetically modified crops in Nigeria

    Oluwaferanmi Bello | Insights | Mar 05, 2026    
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Nigeria faces a critical level of hunger, according to the 2024 Global Hunger Index. With 30.6 million people experiencing acute hunger, this situation reflects a deepening food insecurity crisis exacerbated by drought, pest infestations, and flooding. While the full-scale adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops offers hope for overcoming these natural challenges, GM crop adoption in Nigeria remains low. The low adoption, which limits the realisation of food security in Nigeria, is due to slow regulatory processes, single-source seed production, and health concerns about GM foods. To address these challenges, the GM market should operate based on fair competition and open access. The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) should fast-track its approval timeframe for importers and local developers of GM seeds. Also, addressing health concerns about GM foods will scale their adoption.

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