In 2019, Nigeria approved the commercial use of Bt cowpea, a genetically modified crop designed to resist the pod-borer pest that destroys cowpea yields. The move marked a significant step in the country’s efforts to improve food production and support farmers facing persistent challenges.
Yet, the decision sparked debate. Concerns over safety, transparency, and control of the food system quickly emerged, drawing attention from scientists, policymakers, civil society groups, and everyday Nigerians alike. The conversation around GMOs in Nigeria has since been a delicate issue between innovation and public trust.
This article takes a closer look at Nigeria’s journey with genetically modified crops, from Bt cowpea to GM maise, examining the science, the controversy, and the choices that will shape the country’s agricultural future.
“For many Nigerians, the debate over genetically modified crops goes beyond science; it’s a question of trust. While regulators and scientists emphasise potential benefits, the public remains cautious, highlighting issues of transparency, control, and long-term safety.”
How Nigeria Entered The GMO Era
Nigeria’s journey with genetically modified (GM) crops began in earnest with the approval of Bt cowpea in 2019. Engineered to resist Maruca vitrata, a pest that can destroy up to 80% of cowpea yields, the crop promised a lifeline for farmers struggling with losses and high pesticide costs.
For agricultural scientists, Bt cowpea represented a practical tool to boost productivity and strengthen food security.
The Cowpea is more than just a farm product; it is a staple in Nigerian diets, providing protein for millions. Its vulnerability to pests made it the perfect experiment.
Scientists saw Bt cowpea as a practical solution to improve food security and support farmers in areas with the most severe pest infestations.
However, the introduction of the crop also raised critical questions.
Nigerians wanted clarity on safety studies, potential environmental effects, and how genetically modified seeds could affect control over their food system.
These concerns set the tone for ongoing debates about biotechnology in Nigeria, balancing scientific promise with public understanding and trust.
The Timeline That Shaped The Debate
2019 — Bt Cowpea Approved
Nigeria approved Bt cowpea for commercial cultivation. This genetically modified crop was engineered to resist the pod-borer pest (Maruca vitrata), which can destroy large portions of cowpea harvests. Farmers welcomed the crop for reducing pesticide use and improving yields, making it a potential boost for both income and food security.
2020 — Early Adoption And Monitoring
Pilot programs rolled out in several states, with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and research institutes tracking yields, pesticide usage, and any ecological effects. Awareness campaigns began, helping farmers understand the benefits and proper use of Bt cowpea.
2021 — Testing GM Maize
Nigeria started a controlled environmental release of genetically modified maise varieties. These trials focused on drought tolerance and resistance to stem-borers and fall armyworms — pests that regularly damage maise crops. The goal was to gather local evidence on performance and safety before commercial cultivation.
2022 — Growing Public Debate
Research findings on Bt cowpea and maise trials were published, showing promising results. At the same time, civil society groups began raising concerns about safety, labelling, and long-term ecological impacts. Discussions about who controls the food system began to gain attention.
2023 — Advocacy and Policy Discussions
Farmers’ associations, NGOs, and food sovereignty organisations became more vocal, pushing for transparency in approvals and independent risk assessments. Parliamentary committees began informal discussions on the regulations governing GMO crops.
January 2024 — GM Maize Approved For Commercial Use
NBMA approved four GM maise varieties (TELA Maize: SAMMAZ 72T–75T) for commercial cultivation. These crops were designed to withstand drought and resist pests, offering farmers more reliable yields in a country where maise is a staple food.
May 2024 — Parliamentary Review And Regulatory Pause
The House of Representatives temporarily suspended approvals for new GMOs and requested a deeper review of the approval process. Civil society groups welcomed the pause, citing concerns about transparency, safety, and control of Nigeria’s food system.
Late 2024 — Public Opposition Intensifies
Coalitions of NGOs, academics, and farmers publicly rejected plans for GMO potatoes and other crops. They argued that long-term independent studies were missing and that reliance on foreign-developed seeds could weaken Nigeria’s food sovereignty.
February 2025 — NBMA Commits To Post-Release Monitoring
NBMA announced plans for post-release monitoring (PRM) of GM crops. This involves ongoing evaluation of health, environmental, and ecological impacts to ensure approved crops remain safe for consumption and cultivation.
2025 (Ongoing) — Trust And Scrutiny Remain Central
Despite regulatory assurances, public scepticism continues. Calls for moratoriums or bans are growing, led by civil society groups who cite long-term ecological and health risks. The debate has shifted from a simple “yield versus pest control” to a broader discussion on transparency, safety, and food sovereignty.
What Is Driving Public Concern?
For many Nigerians, the debate over genetically modified crops goes beyond science; it’s a question of trust.
While regulators and scientists emphasise potential benefits, the public remains cautious, highlighting issues of transparency, control, and long-term safety.
1. Transparency And Public Awareness
Many approvals have moved quickly, sometimes outpacing efforts to educate the public. Citizens and farmers want clear information on how safety studies are conducted, what the results mean, and how crops are labelled.
Concerns over labelling have been especially prominent, with calls for all GMO products to be clearly marked so consumers can make informed choices.
2. Food Sovereignty And Control
Civil society groups warn that reliance on foreign-developed seed technologies could weaken Nigeria’s autonomy over its food system.
Critics fear that farmers may become dependent on imported seeds, undermining traditional seed-saving practices and local farming resilience. This has been a key point in calls for stricter regulations or even moratoriums on new GMO approvals.
3. Health And Environmental Safety
While regulators, including the NBMA, insist that approved GM crops are safe, environmental and health advocacy groups highlight the lack of long-term independent studies.
They caution that potential ecological effects—such as impacts on soil health, biodiversity, or the emergence of resistant pests—remain uncertain.
Some groups also raise concerns about human health impacts, emphasising the need for ongoing monitoring and research.
4. Socio-Political Pressure
These combined concerns have influenced policymakers. The temporary suspension of new GMO approvals in May 2024 reflected public demand for more oversight and accountability.
Civil society organisations, farmers, and research groups continue to advocate for greater transparency, labelling, and independent research, ensuring that public voices are part of the decisions affecting the nation’s food system.
Where Science Sees Opportunity
While public debate continues, scientists and agricultural experts emphasise the practical benefits of genetically modified crops for Nigeria.
1. Boosting Yields And Reducing Losses
Bt cowpea has been shown to reduce crop losses from pod-borer pests, allowing farmers to save on pesticide costs while increasing harvests.
Similarly, drought-tolerant and pest-resistant GM maise varieties offer more reliable yields in regions prone to unpredictable weather and pest outbreaks.
2. Locally Adapted Solutions
These crops are developed in collaboration with Nigerian research institutes, ensuring that they are suited to local conditions and challenges.
Scientists argue that locally adapted GM crops can complement traditional farming practices rather than replace them entirely.
3. Reducing Environmental Strain
Reducing the need for chemical pesticides, GM crops like Bt cowpea can help minimise environmental impact and protect farmer health.
Reduced pesticide use also helps preserve beneficial insects and soil health, provided crops are monitored responsibly.
4. Supporting Food Security
With a population exceeding 230 million, Nigeria faces ongoing pressures from climate change, pest infestations, and rising food prices.
Scientists see GM crops as a strategic tool to stabilise food production, improve farmer incomes, and ensure more consistent access to staple foods like Cowpea and maise.
What Happens Next?
The future of genetically modified crops in Nigeria is still unfolding, shaped by scientific innovation, public concerns, and regulatory decisions.
Several key factors will determine how the story develops:
1. Parliamentary Investigations And Regulatory Oversight
The ongoing parliamentary review of GMO approvals could reshape how future crops are evaluated. Lawmakers are pushing for greater transparency, clearer risk assessments, and accountability from agencies such as the NBMA and NAFDAC. The outcome will likely influence public confidence and the pace of new approvals.
2. Clearer Labelling And Public Communication
Many Nigerians want to know what is in their food. Advocates argue that transparent labelling and better public education on GMOs are essential.
Regulators have begun acknowledging this demand, and future policies may require more transparent labelling of all genetically modified products.
3. Balancing Innovation With Caution
Nigeria faces the challenge of improving food security while respecting public concerns.
Scientists and policymakers must weigh the benefits of GM crops, such as higher yields, pest resistance, and reduced pesticide use, against long-term ecological, health, and social considerations.
This balance will define the country’s approach to biotechnology for years to come.
4. Ongoing Research And Monitoring
Post-release monitoring (PRM) and independent research will be crucial. Ensuring that GM crops remain safe for human consumption, the environment, and local farming practices will determine whether they become a reliable part of Nigeria’s agricultural strategy.
Takeaway
GMOs offer real promise for food security, higher yields, and reduced environmental strain.
However, public concerns about transparency, health, and local control remind us that innovation must go hand in hand with rigorous oversight, clear communication, and respect for the people affected.
In a country facing climate pressures and growing food needs, the challenge is clear: embrace innovation wisely, protect the environment, and ensure every Nigerian has a voice in shaping the food system of tomorrow.
