COMMUNIQUE ON THE 2-DAY ROUNDTABLE MEETING ON THE INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS IN NIGERIA

A 2-day Roundtable meeting on the Introduction of Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria was held at the Conference Hall, Maizube Farms, Minna, Niger State from 7th to 8th April, 2008.  The meeting which was organized by the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), and was co-sponsored by the Niger State Government and First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB).The meeting attracted participants from Malaysia, Kenya, Zimbabwe as well as the cream of academia, policy makers and other major stakeholders in Nigeria.  The opening ceremony was attended by the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Chief (Mrs.) Grace Ekpiwhre JP, mni; representatives of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr.  Sayyadi Abba Ruma, the Hon. Minister of Environment, Housing and Urban Development, Arc. (Mrs) Halima Tayo Alao and the Chief Host, who is  the  Chief Servant of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu; the Special Guest, former Head of State, His Excellency (Dr) Abdulsalami  Abubakar, GCFR; Agricultural attache to the United States of America Embassy, Ali Abdi, the DG/CEO of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. B.O Solomon, amongst a host of other dignitaries.

The meeting was convened to discuss the strategies for the introduction of GM Crops in Nigeria.

The meeting reiterated the numerous benefits of Genetically Modified Crops (GMC) such as reduced maturation time, improved resistance to pests and diseases as well as increased productivity.

The meeting allayed the fears currently being expressed in certain quarters over the safety of GM crops noting that these materials are usually subjected to rigorous safety assessments by the industry and regulatory agencies based on the principles endorsed by the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD).  However, it proffered the modalities to be adopted in domesticating the GM crops.

All presentations provided a pool of information which at the end of the day, would afford Nigeria the opportunity to take advantage of the GMC technology.  After plenary sessions, the meeting went into group discussions and identified the following challenges as well as the way forward :

Technology, Research and Development

The meeting noted that Research and Development in GM crops was indeed at its infancy in Nigeria as very few establishments in the National Agricultural Research System have developed any critical mass of human and infrastructural capacities that would lead to accelerated development of transgenic materials.  As such, the meeting identified these limitations to include capital equipment, regular energy, water supply, consumables, effective use of ICT among others.

In consideration of critical national needs, the meeting identified the following priority crops for further genetic improvement – sorghum, cassava, cotton, wheat, gum arabic, cowpea and soy beans.  The meeting further noted the glaring deficiencies in both teaching and learning curricula at all levels and accordingly recommended more vibrant and dynamic curricula to generate appropriate manpower to meet research and development needs in biotechnology activities.

Regulatory and Biosafety Issues

The meeting noted that all stakeholders should abide by the rules as contained in the Nigeria 2001 National Biosafety Guidelines and the Cartagena protocol on biosafety as well as extant rules.

The meeting noted the undue delay in the processing of the Nigerian biosafety bill and therefore urged the Honorable Ministers of Environment and Urban Development to work in consonance with the Honourable Ministers of Science and Technology, Agriculture and Water Resources and Health to fast track the processes to obtain the National Assembly approval without further delay.

 Domestication and Deployment

Any GM crop imported into Nigeria must be evaluated (under containment or confinement) for gene efficacy, agronomic performance and potential economic benefits in compliance with National regulatory requirements.

Taking due cognizance of the IP (Intellectual Property) requirements, the GM crop company will work in partnership with the NARI (National Agricultural Research Institute) with national mandate for the genetic improvement of the crop as well as appropriate public extension agencies for dissemination of the crop to farmers in line with laid down regulations and procedures.

Commercialization

 The group suggested that the country starts with GM crops with high industrial uses.  In furtherance of this, it advocated the training of farmers and other stakeholders in all aspects of commercialization including the use of GM seeds, trade negotiation capabilities e.t.c.  It also recommended the need for concerted improvement of indigenous seeds (land races).

The group noted the relevance of distribution, marketing, pricing and promotion strategies.  It therefore suggested that appropriate channels should include farmers’ associations, cooperatives and Agricultural Development Programmes.  In this regard, it emphasized the use of appropriate media for awareness creation.

The meeting reposed implicit confidence in the ability and capability of the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement these and other relevant strategies/policies to launch the country into the biotechnology era within the   shortest possible time.