By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has declared that genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are not inherently harmful to human health provided that strict regulatory protocols are followed.
In a recent interview, Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that GMO safety in Nigeria depends on rigorous adherence to scientific and regulatory standards.
She pointed to NAFDAC’s close collaboration with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), which is responsible for certifying the safety of GMO products before they reach consumers.
“NAFDAC will not approve any GMO product without clearance from NBMA,” she said, reinforcing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring public safety.
A self-described “food freak,” Adeyeye also underscored the importance of transparency and consumer choice.
She called for clear labeling of genetically modified products, urging Nigerians to look out for the NAFDAC registration number; a habit she says she’s maintained even before becoming the agency’s head.
Her comments aim to allay public fears and shed light on the regulatory measures in place to monitor GMO products in Nigeria, assuring consumers that the nation’s food supply is under vigilant oversight.
