By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Ambassador for the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Micheal Nwabufo, has cautioned the National Assembly to be wary of the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) foods in Nigeria.

While calling on NASS to take decision against GMO, Nwabufo disclosed that there have been controversies around the health safety of GMO plants, being propagated by Bill Gates, the American businessman and philanthropist best known for his roles at Microsoft Corporation.

In a statement, Nwabufo, made available after he appeared before the House of Representatives recently, over a video production on the danger of GMO foods, Nwabufo urged the National Assembly to act decisively to protect Nigerian people and preserve the nation’s sovereignty.

Nwabufo, who noted that GMOs had health risks, environmental impact among others, called on the NASS to assess and regulate them through conduct thorough research and risk assessments before approving their widespread use in Nigeria.

“GMOs can harm ecosystems, disrupt biodiversity, and threaten traditional farming practices because their long-term safety remains unproven.

“There is the need to ensure that all healthcare interventions are subjected to rigorous safety checks.

“We must support the development of indigenous agricultural and medicinal practices to reduce reliance on foreign entities.

“I stand here today as a patriot and a servant of the people, committed to building a healthier and more self-reliant Nigeria.

“I believe in the resilience of this National Assembly to make decisions that prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.

“I am glad that the House of Representatives are standing by us to kick against Genetically Modified Organism called GMO foods,” Nwabufo said.

He urged the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari to rescind his support for GMO foods in the country.

According to him, the minister cannot take decisions of such magnitude that bothers on Nigerian well-being without recourse to the people and their representatives in the parliaments.

He however called on the minister to engage in thorough scientific and evidence-based research in certified laboratories to check the safety of GMO foods in Nigeria, before giving in to the proponents and defending plants.

According to him, some farmers have been brainwashed in Nigeria about GMO seeds. Adding to that, such people and farmers in their defense of GMO seeds, were saying “It is better to eat GMO foods and die than not to see food to eat.

“Whoever controls our food controls our life. It is better to focus on the danger that is looming. I believe the NASS knows what to do with the information we have brought, I believe in your capacity to end this.

“With the threat of Genetically Modified Organisms called (GMOs), without any form of contradictions, Bill Gates and his foundation have invested heavily in our agriculture and healthcare sectors, introducing GMOs to Nigeria”, he said.

He then called for promotion of transparency in healthcare, investment in local solutions and safeguard of the nation’s biodiversity.

“There are potential dangers to human health, including reduced lifespan and vulnerability to diseases. We must protect Nigeria’s rich agricultural heritage and natural ecosystems.

“Indigenous crops, which are a critical part of our heritage, are at risk of being overshadowed by lab-engineered alternatives, ” he said.