The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has assured Nigerians that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food are not harmful when safety protocols are strictly followed.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Prof. Adeyeye addressed growing public concerns surrounding the safety of GMO food products in Nigeria.
“Genetically modified foods are not bad for us,” she emphasized. “Their safety depends on the type of food and whether all necessary safety considerations have been taken.”
Prof. Adeyeye clarified that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) plays a key role in ensuring GMO products are safe for consumption. NAFDAC, she said, collaborates closely with NBMA before approving any GMO-containing foods for public distribution.
“We work hand-in-hand with the Biosafety Management Agency under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). They are mandated to carry out comprehensive reviews—whether laboratory tests or desk-based assessments. Only after their clearance can NAFDAC proceed with approval,” she explained.
Describing herself as a “food freak,” the NAFDAC boss encouraged Nigerians to always check food labels for GMO indicators and reassured consumers that approved products have undergone rigorous quality checks.
“At NAFDAC, our core mandate is to ensure that all food items approved for sale in the market are safe, of high quality, and effective,” she added.
Her comments come at a time when debates continue across the country regarding the transparency and safety of genetically modified foods, with some stakeholders calling for stricter labeling and public education.
