Manny Ita –
Environmental advocacy group Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has expressed concerns over the registration of new cotton varieties in Nigeria, warning that the country’s biosafety regulatory framework may be inadequately equipped to manage the potential risks associated with genetically modified crops.
In a statement, the group argued that Nigeria’s biosafety system is currently “in shambles,” citing weaknesses in oversight, transparency, and enforcement as major issues that could undermine public confidence and environmental safety. HOMEF contended that the approval and registration of new cotton varieties should be subject to more rigorous scrutiny, particularly given the long-term ecological and health implications often associated with such developments.
The organisation called on regulatory authorities to strengthen compliance mechanisms and ensure that all approvals follow established scientific and procedural standards. It also urged greater public participation in decision-making processes, insisting that communities most affected by agricultural policies should be adequately informed and consulted before final approvals are granted.
HOMEF further highlighted concerns about the capacity of relevant agencies to effectively monitor and regulate biotechnology applications in agriculture. According to the group, gaps in coordination between institutions responsible for biosafety could expose the country to risks ranging from environmental degradation to unintended impacts on biodiversity.
The advocacy group emphasized the need for Nigeria to align its biosafety practices with international best standards, including robust risk assessment protocols, independent reviews, and continuous post-approval monitoring. It warned that failure to address these issues could have long-term consequences for food systems, farmer livelihoods, and ecological balance.
Meanwhile, stakeholders within the agricultural and regulatory sectors maintain that biotechnology, including improved cotton varieties, has the potential to enhance productivity, reduce pest-related losses, and support local textile industries if properly managed under strict regulatory guidelines.
The debate reflects ongoing tensions between proponents of agricultural biotechnology and environmental groups, with both sides calling for policies that balance innovation with safety. Observers note that strengthening biosafety institutions and improving transparency in regulatory processes will be critical to resolving these concerns and building public trust.
As discussions continue, attention is expected to focus on how regulatory agencies respond to these criticisms and whether additional safeguards will be introduced to address the concerns raised by HOMEF and other stakeholders in the environmental space.
