The group described the resolution as commendable and deserving of nationwide supportive actions to stop the negative consequences of GMO crops.
The Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) has thrown its weight behind the House of Representatives for their resolution that the Nigerian Government should suspend further actions on genetically modified crops otherwise known as GMO foods.
The group described the resolution as commendable and deserving of nationwide supportive actions to stop the negative consequences of GMO crops.
A statement issued by the Executive Director of the group, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, on Sunday, said GMO crops have a potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem services, negative impacts on non-target organisms, on soil, water ecosystems and allergic reactions.
“Most worrisome is the ability of GMO crops to increase antibiotic resistance and cause harm to human and animal health: Toxicological effects,” it said.
It continued, “The World Health Organization (WHO)'s recent report raised high risks alarm on the increasing rate of bacteria resistance to even third generation antibiotics. The world over, it has become serious public health concerns.
“GMO crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering methods and used for agricultural purposes. This is not a natural course of justice.
“The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has officially approved four crops (maize, cowpea, cotton and soybean) for commercialization.
“Some of the counties in Africa that have banned GMO CROPS are Algeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Currently, there are high level opposition to GMO crops in the European Union countries.
“The pathway for the modern times is ecosystem and human friendly approaches to agriculture.”