BREAKING: GMO Foods Safe for Consumption — NAFDAC DG Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye Clears the Air

In the midst of growing skepticism and heated debates surrounding genetically modified foods in Nigeria, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has declared that GMO foods are safe for human consumption—provided they meet regulated safety standards.

Speaking during a Thursday interview on Channels Television, the health and regulatory expert sought to calm public fears, assuring Nigerians that \"GMOs are not bad for us.\" Her remarks come amid intensifying criticism from consumer advocates and conspiracy theorists who have cast doubt on the integrity and safety of genetically engineered foods.

> “It depends on the type of food and whether safety considerations have been addressed,” Adeyeye said firmly, emphasizing that science-backed oversight—not panic or hearsay—should drive the national conversation around GMOs.

Adeyeye explained that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) bears the core responsibility for vetting GMO safety, while NAFDAC steps in to collaborate under a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to confirm quality, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.

> “Without NBMA’s certification—whether through lab testing or desk review—NAFDAC cannot approve any GMO product,” she clarified.

The NAFDAC boss, who lightheartedly described herself as a “food freak,” advised Nigerians to become more label-conscious, especially when purchasing processed or imported foods.

> “I always tell people: read the labels. Check what’s in your food. Approved GMO products go through rigorous review before hitting the market.”

While GMOs have long sparked fears about long-term health risks and environmental hazards, Prof. Adeyeye doubled down on the importance of evidence-based regulation. She reaffirmed that no GMO product gets NAFDAC’s greenlight unless it passes through stringent scientific checks for safety, quality, and effectiveness.

Her statement is timely, as fake news and misinformation about GMO foods continue to flood social media, sparking unnecessary panic among consumers. Analysts believe that Adeyeye’s firm stance could mark a turning point in restoring public trust in biotechnology and food regulation.

Meanwhile, many food scientists, nutritionists, and biotech experts across the globe have aligned with her views, stating that GMO technology remains one of the most studied and regulated in food history.

As Nigeria grapples with food insecurity, rising inflation, and climate-related agricultural challenges, this endorsement from the country’s top food safety authority may signal a more progressive embrace of agricultural innovation—so long as public health remains the priority.