Olusegun Adeyemo
While debates about Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods continue in the National Assembly and on social media, Food Security Advocate and Policy Analyst, Mr. Ajibola Oladipo, has warned that the real danger lies not in the technology itself but in the absence of transparency and consumer awareness.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Journal Nigeria, Oladipo revealed that Nigerians have been consuming GMO foods for over a decade without knowing. From agric chicken to weevil-free beans, he said, “Many of the foods on our tables are already genetically modified, but there’s no proper labeling system to inform the public.”
According to him, the lack of clear GMO labeling means consumers cannot make informed choices. “The bigger concern is not whether GMOs are harmful, but that people are eating them without realizing it,” he said, calling on agencies like NAFDAC and the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Health to close the policy gap.
Oladipo noted that while GMO seeds offer benefits such as higher yields and drought resistance—features welcomed by many farmers citizens should have the freedom to choose what they plant and eat. “Choice is key. No one should have GMO products forced on them,” he stressed.
He argued that the greater threats to Nigeria’s food security are structural problems such as wastage, poor storage, and inadequate logistics. “Nearly half of our fruits and vegetables rot on the farm because they never reach the market,” he explained. “Without addressing storage and transportation challenges, GMO or no GMO, food insecurity will persist.”
Calling for stronger regulations, Oladipo pointed to the European model of strict oversight, urging Nigerian authorities to adopt a holistic approach that safeguards farmers’ interests, guarantees food reserves, and ensures proper grain storage nationwide.
He concluded with a message for Nigerians: “Don’t panic, stay informed. Push for transparency, demand clear labeling, and hold regulatory bodies accountable. GMO technology is already part of our food system. The question is whether we will manage it responsibly.”