A director at the Institute of Agricultural Research at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Professor Rabiu Adamu, has stated that traditional crop production methods are insufficient to satisfy Nigeria”s food requirements, especially given the nation”s rapid population growth and diminishing agricultural land. As Africa”s most populous nation, Nigeria”s maize production reached 12.4 million metric tonnes, falling short of the 18 million metric tonnes needed to meet national demand.
To address this shortfall, Professor Adamu noted that the government has approved the introduction of high-yield maize varieties that are drought-resistant and insect-resistant. He highlighted that Nigeria”s per hectare maize yield is under three tonnes, indicating a pressing need for improvements in agricultural productivity, exacerbated by urbanization, infrastructure development, and desertification encroaching on arable land.
“To enhance production, we require high-yield crops that do not necessitate the use of herbicides, pesticides, or even fertilizers,” Adamu explained.
Regarding concerns about the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Professor Adamu assured that any crop entering the Nigerian market must undergo stringent regulatory scrutiny to ensure it is safe for consumption. He emphasized that the regulations governing GMOs are even more rigorous than those for conventional crops due to the genetic modifications involved.
“Before any crop is approved for commercial use, it must undergo extensive physiological and nutritional evaluations. Existing data from over 200 studies conducted across Europe, the USA, Latin America, and various African nations indicate the safety of GMOs, leading to their acceptance for consumption,” he remarked. Adamu noted that there are currently several genetically modified crops available in the market, including maize, tomatoes, rice, soybeans, and pawpaw, with no documented safety issues.
He pointed out that the adoption of GMOs is key to Nigeria”s agricultural strategy, allowing the country to sign the Geneva Protocol on Biodiversity, which supports the commercialization of transgenic crops. Adamu remarked that Nigeria currently produces insufficient organic food, relying instead on conventional crops that often require external inputs, such as organic fertilizers and non-synthetic pesticides.
According to him, many genetically modified crops have been developed to combat specific agricultural challenges, such as pests like stem borers and fall armyworms. He further noted that the Nigerian government has officially sanctioned the cultivation of three genetically modified crops: Bt cotton for bollworm resistance in 2020, cowpea (SAMPEA 20T) in 2021, and Tela maize, which is resistant to armyworms and stem borers, set for release in 2024. This maize hybrid is designed to withstand drought conditions as well as insect threats.
In conclusion, Professor Adamu emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to enhance its agricultural output through innovative practices and technologies to meet the growing food demands of its population.
