The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged the federal and state governments to enact laws prohibiting the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country, warning that the technology poses serious risks to life and health.
The bishops made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting, held at the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene.
The statement, jointly signed by the CBCN president, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, and the secretary, Bishop Donatus Ogun of Uromi, stressed the importance of protecting citizens from potential dangers associated with GMO foods.
“Agriculture presents a major source of economic and employment opportunities in our nation.
We thank God for the vast expanse of fertile and arable lands available for farming in our country,” the bishops said.
They, however, expressed concern that the growing adoption of GMO technology could undermine food safety, weaken traditional farming systems, and expose citizens to health risks that may not be immediately apparent.
The CBCN urged governments to instead create an enabling environment for traditional agriculture.
According to them, farmers need adequate mechanisation, security, access roads, and incentives to boost production and achieve food security without relying on GMOs.
“We equally request governments to put in place regulations that will prohibit the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in order to preserve the life and health of our citizens,” the bishops stated.
The call comes amid ongoing debate over the benefits and risks of GMO technology in Nigeria.
While President Bola Tinubu’s administration insists that GMOs offer solutions to food shortages, critics, including environmentalists and now the Catholic bishops, argue that long-term impacts on health and biodiversity remain uncertain.
The federal government has also been criticised for allegedly recruiting influencers, legislators, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to promote acceptance of GMOs, despite widespread skepticism among farmers and consumers.
By taking this position, the CBCN joins a growing list of groups urging caution, insisting that Nigeria’s fertile lands and rich agricultural heritage provide sustainable alternatives to genetically modified crops.
The bishops stressed that food security should not come at the expense of human life and dignity.
They called on policymakers to place citizens’ health above profit and international pressure, insisting that protecting lives must remain the ultimate priority.