The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, on Friday denied that there was Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods in the country.
He made the clarification in Abuja when a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by its Deputy Director-General, Dr. Kwaku Anings, visited him in his office.
The minister, however, said Nigeria was ready to partner with IAEA to boost food production.
Adesina said: “We must never be afraid of atomic technology in food production. We want to raise productivity, good health and environmental sustainability. We must not listen to those who want to create fear in the minds of people on things they should not be scared about with half-baked knowledge.
“We must not be afraid of science. We can use science to make our food safe and for the issue of food security. We must be aware that technology is the only way we can open up opportunities. Also,we have to understand the risks and put good regulations in place to reduce those risks.
“The fact remains that we have nothing in this country called GMO. People confused modern day science to GMOs. People say hybrid maize is from GMO, but it is from conventional maize”.
