The April edition of the "Upscaling Organic and Agroecology Practices in Nigeria" meeting brought together agricultural experts, extension workers, and advocates to tackle a pressing issue in the Nigerian agricultural landscape: genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Themed "A Discussion on GMO Seeds Pollution in Nigeria: Consequences and the Way Forward for Producers and Consumers," the session — held on 30 April 2026 — explored the socio-economic impacts of GMO adoption and highlighted practical, sustainable alternatives designed to empower smallholder farmers.

The Case Against GMOs for Smallholder Farmers

The first speaker, Joyce Brown from the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), opened the dialogue by outlining the severe economic, environmental, and cultural consequences GMOs present for Nigerian producers. She emphasized that GMOs are fundamentally incompatible with smallholder farming systems. A primary risk is the potential contamination of local seed varieties, which directly threatens indigenous genetic diversity. Brown stressed that genetic contamination has profound implications — an outcome Nigeria must work diligently to avoid. Consequently, she proposed that advocating for a complete ban on GMOs provides a stronger safeguard for agricultural biodiversity than merely attempting to enforce labeling requirements.

Viable Non-GMO Maize Varieties for Nigerian Agriculture

Addressing the common narrative that GMOs are essential for crop protection, Dr. Anthony Oluwatoyosi Job, Head of Agronomy and Seed Development at the Flour Mills of Nigeria Group, showcased highly effective conventional seed options. His underlying message provided an optimistic outlook for local agribusiness: Nigeria does not require GMOs to achieve major yield gains in the short to medium term.

Dr. Job clarified that conventional breeding, which leverages natural selection and genetic recombination over multiple generations, has produced outstanding varieties resilient to environmental stresses and pests, such as the fall armyworm. He highlighted specific non-GMO maize varieties currently available:

• Conventional Hybrids: Varieties such as VSL 2201 and SAMMAZ 77, which provide high yields, strong vigor, and tolerance to both FAW and drought.
• Improved Open-Pollinated Varieties (OPVs): Varieties like ARTMAZ 01 and ARTMAZ 02, which offer cost-effective, adaptable alternatives that support community seed-saving practices.

Dr. Job further noted that while GMO varieties possess single-gene resistance that places high selection pressure on insects, conventionally bred varieties offer polygenic, "partial" native resistance. This native resistance remains highly beneficial when deployed as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, combining biological controls and agro-ecological management to build long-term farming resilience.

GMO Seed Identification, Trust, and Education

The meeting heavily focused on the practical hurdles grassroots farmers face when trying to differentiate between conventional, hybrid, and GMO seeds. Dr. Job suggested checking for identifiers like higher pricing (typically ₦4,000 to ₦5,000/kg) and scientific labeling terms such as "biotic" or "transgenic."

However, Dr. Fadlullah Issa, representing the Nigerian Forum for Agricultural Advocacy Services (NIFAAS) and the Organic and Agroecology Innovation Platform (OAIP), challenged the feasibility of this approach for smallholders. He argued that complex scientific jargon, poor labeling, and limited information access render visual inspection nearly impossible for the average farmer navigating the informal seed market. Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa echoed this sentiment, warning that unmonitored free seed distribution programs could inadvertently introduce GMOs and displace indigenous seeds. Both experts called for robust seed labeling regulations and comprehensive "last-mile" education through dedicated extension agencies to bridge this trust and knowledge gap.

Moving Forward: Organic Production Work Groups and Policy Advocacy

Translating discussions into action, updates were shared on two critical working groups:

• Natural Cowpea Production: Three initiatives in this dimension are at their inception stages, with Gotomo Farms leading the Work Group Committee. The natural cowpea production initiative aims to cultivate 10,000 hectares of naturally grown cowpea in 2026. Two additional initiatives — one based in Kano and the other in Benue State — are also striving to make impact.
• Natural Poultry Production: Led by the Ibadan Go Organic Multiple Purpose Cooperative Society, natural poultry production has commenced, though still at a small/pilot scale.

The working groups are implementing pilot projects with training in organic and agroecology farming standards.

Conclusion

The virtual summit concluded with a unified call to action to protect farmers and consumers alike. Participants identified farmers' cooperatives as essential hubs for distributing reputable, non-GMO seeds. The assembly agreed that ORAIN must act as a consolidated force, lobbying policymakers and submitting a formal position paper on GMO implications.

Closing the meeting, Mrs. Ogboru Mamode, Director of Agricultural Extension at the Delta Agric and Rural Development Authority (DARDA), expressed gratitude to the participants. She reiterated the ultimate goal: to ensure that these strategic discussions are effectively communicated to grassroots farmers, driving real change across Nigeria's agricultural sector.

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