Key Takeaways
- Islamic clerics in Nigeria support the adoption of GMOs to address food security.
- Local production of GMO seeds ensures Nigeria maintains control over agricultural innovations.
- Biotechnology is seen as vital for enhancing agricultural sustainability and socio-economic development.
Support for GMOs Among Islamic Leaders
Islamic clerics and experts in Nigeria have voiced their support for the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biotechnology in agriculture. This endorsement comes in the wake of a workshop organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria, which operates under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
Clerics, including Abdullahi Nuhu, Secretary to the Chief Imam of Dantata Mosque, emphasized the Islamic community’s commitment to innovation that improves livelihoods and food availability. Nuhu pledged spiritual and moral support for government-led biotech initiatives, highlighting the importance of these efforts amidst growing food insecurity.
The Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, reinforced the significance of GM technology in tackling Nigeria’s food and environmental challenges. He assured attendees that the GMO seeds being utilized are locally produced, thereby allowing Nigeria control over its agricultural outputs. Mustapha cautioned against rejecting these advancements, stating it would be a “missed opportunity” in the fight for food self-sufficiency and environmental protection.
Dr. Rose Gidado, NBRDA’s Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, outlined the numerous benefits of GM crops. These include reduced pesticide use, enhanced pest resistance, longer shelf life, and resilience to climate changes. Gidado argued that biotechnology is crucial for creating a sustainable agricultural system that can spur socio-economic development.
Prof. Mohammed Ishiyaku, Principal Investigator of the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, affirmed that biotechnology is a cost-effective solution to low farm yields. He stressed that these crops meet international safety standards and are deemed safe for human consumption and the environment.
The workshop served as a platform for scientists, policymakers, and faith-based leaders to deepen their understanding of biotechnology’s role in transforming agriculture. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, it aims to build a consensus on leveraging these innovations to achieve food security and enhance livelihoods in Nigeria.
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