Nigeria approved the sale and public use of the TELA variety of genetically modified maize in 2024.
The approval on behalf of the Federal Government was by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries, NCNRRCVLF, in its 37th meeting at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, NACGRAB, in Ibadan on January 11, 2024.
The four varieties: SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T and SAMMAZ 75T, are resistant to stem-borers and fall army worms and also mildly tolerant to drought.
Stem borers, Buseola fusca, are particularly a problem in Nigeria. They bore into stems of maize crops and feed on the crop from the inside. A local way of controlling them is to cut and collect the stems and burn them to kill the insects, but many escape and continue the spread in nearby farms.
The TELA varieties can also increase yields by up to 10 tonnes per hectare.
The environmental release approval was earlier granted by the National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA, Nigeria’s biotechnology regulator, in October 2021.
The TELA Maize Project is also currently being implemented in Africa in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.
However in Nigeria, public rejection arose in June, 2024, that the seeds are dangerous and can cause cancer. Some called it “Bill Gates-Funded Artificial Maize.”
There are even reports in the social media that such technologies are designed to depopulate Africa, if adopted.
Same propaganda when the disease HIV/AIDS was first discovered in Africa in the 1980s: Some Western countries must have planted it to punish the black race.
When Covid-19 disease was first discovered in China, Asians never claimed it targeted Chinese and Indians who are even more populous than Africa and are emerging as world leaders in technology.
Was President Barack Obama also privy to a US plot to annihilate people of African descent?
For a similar reason, Nigeria rejected polio vaccine that it contained infertility strains and poliomyelitis that was almost eliminated, resurfaced in the country in mid 1980s. A national committee including scientists and traditional rulers was setup to evaluate the claim and found it to be false.
That farmers must go back to obtain fresh seeds for any new planting season is a fact for all hybrid-bred seeds, not GM seeds alone.
It is true that the produce of some GM seeds are sterile and can only be eaten and not replanted – the so-called Terminator seeds – TELA maize varieties are not sterile, but will yield much less when replanted.
There is no doubt that all new technologies must be studied and verified for safety and against environmental damage, and so is GMO.
An official of National Biotechnology Development Agency, national developer of the technology in Nigeria, made a public statement on the matter, but it is unclear if it will stem the rejection.
Good day, everyone.
2: As a scientist, I always base my assessments on facts and evidence.
3: While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it’s crucial for Nigerians to be cautious about misinformation on social media.
4: The Nigerian government has indeed launched transgenic maize, also known as TELA maize.
5: This initiative is driven by the need to continually seek advanced agricultural technologies to feed a growing population of over 200 million.
6: The introduction of TELA maize is aimed at improving yield and resistance to pests, not solely to combat hunger, but equally as a source of raw materials for industries and to generate employment opportunities.
7: It’s important to note that before any crop, especially genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is registered and released, it undergoes stringent regulatory processes to ensure it is safe for human consumption and environmentally friendly.
8: The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has thoroughly vetted TELA maize varieties.
9: The NBMA follows rigorous procedures for the approval of GMOs. It is crucial for individuals to verify the safety processes with the regulator before spreading potentially misleading information.
10: Additionally, the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries is responsible for registering and releasing crop varieties and animal breeds.
11: They have established criteria that must be met, and they confirmed that TELA maize meets these standards, including resistance to stem borers and high yield.
12: It is unfortunate that some media practitioners publish information without verifying the facts. I am curious … regarding health concerns with TELA maize.
13: If there were genuine health issues, regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC or the Federal Ministry of Health would have issued warnings.
14: Trust in our governmental organizations is crucial; they are fully capable of ensuring public safety without foreign intervention.
15: As scientists, we rely on evidence based-issues. I challenge (anyone) to present any documented cases of diseases linked to GMOs.
16: The claims lack substantiation, and the alarmist approach is unwarranted.
17: Contrary to the claim that GMOs prevent farmers from replanting, it’s true that replanting GM seeds may not yield as much as the original seeds.
18: Farmers can choose between achieving about 10 tonnes per hectare with original seeds or about 3 tonnes per hectare with conventional seeds.
19: Treating agriculture as a business is essential for improving farmers’ livelihoods, and we cannot rely on outdated, low-yielding seeds.
20: We must base our opinions on factual evidence rather than conjecture. The National Biotechnology Development Agency is working to raise awareness about the benefits of GMOs.
21: As of now, no credible evidence has shown dangerous effects. Misinformation harms society, and it’s regrettable that there is a general distrust of the government.
22: It’s implausible that all regulatory bodies would conspire against the citizens.
23: It is important for Scientists to continuously engage the Media on some of these technologies and I believe this is being done, maybe we need to step up the game.
24: I know the truth shall prevail.
