…the use of GM traits in everyday foods like beans could expose Nigerians to harmful chemicals such as glyphosate, an herbicide linked to serious health concerns in global studies.
By REMI LADIGBOLU
A growing public outcry is brewing over the quiet spread of genetically modified food crops in Nigeria, especially the widely consumed beans, locally known as cowpea.
The concern was reignited recently by a video shared on X by Dr Chinonso Egemba, a medical doctor and social media influencer popularly known as Aproko Doctor.
In the now-viral clip, he advocated for the adoption of genetically modified organisms like Bt cowpea as a convenient solution to pest problems, citing benefits such as reduced pesticide use and higher productivity.
Egemba’s stance, however, sparked renewed scrutiny, particularly from scientists and activists who caution against hasty acceptance of GM food. Prominent among them is Dr Ify Rhodes‑Vivour, a molecular geneticist who has consistently warned about the long-term effects of GMOs in Nigeria. She reposted the video thread, challenging the science behind Bt cowpea and questioning the government’s motives.
In her post, Dr Rhodes‑Vivour drew attention to Bt cowpea, a genetically modified variety engineered to resist pests like the pod borer through the introduction of a toxin-producing gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. While potentially beneficial to farmers battling infestations, she warned that Nigerians are not being told the full story.
“The cowpea GM trait has been banned in Burkina Faso,” she wrote. “So why is Nigeria now promoting it heavily here? Our people are eating what other African countries rejected.”
She also cautioned that the use of GM traits in everyday foods like beans could expose Nigerians to harmful chemicals such as glyphosate, an herbicide linked to serious health concerns in global studies.
Her warning ignited a wave of reactions online. “We now have farmers spraying beans with herbicides because the seeds are engineered to tolerate them. It ends up in our food. Nobody is talking,” one user replied.
Another, @krixtus, noted, “I bought ginger from Ketu market, and it smelt like fuel. I had to throw it away.” While not related to GM technology, that comment underscored broader concerns about chemical contamination and food safety.