By Buhari Abba
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), has urged journalists to embrace factual and science-based reporting on biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to dispel misconceptions and fear surrounding the technology.
The call was made during a one-day training for journalists from the Northwest and North Central regions, held on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State. The training aimed to equip media professionals with a deeper understanding of agricultural biotechnology and its role in achieving food security and sustainable development.
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While presenting an overview of the Ag-Biotech campaign, Mrs Irene Choge of AATF said the organization was established in 2003 to support smallholder farmers’ access to modern agricultural technologies.
“In the two decades since our creation, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting innovative agricultural technologies that address productivity challenges faced by farmers,” Choge said.
She explained that improved access to agricultural technology would enable farmers to boost productivity sustainably, reduce hunger and poverty, and contribute to achieving a food- and nutrition-secure Africa.
“Agricultural technology can play a major role in developing a sustainable approach to production intensification,” she said. “Over the years, AATF has emerged as a key driver of agricultural transformation on the continent. Our new strategy, Scaling for Impact, builds on past lessons and focuses on commercialization and scaling up, ensuring that innovations reach farmers and deliver tangible results.”
In his presentation titled “Understanding the Science,” Dr Mohammed Ahmad Yahaya of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria, said concerns over the safety of GMOs have intensified due to misinformation.
He said scientific evidence shows that genetically modified crops developed in Nigeria are safe and designed to reduce farmers’ reliance on harmful chemical insecticides.
“GM crops in Nigeria were developed to resist insects that would otherwise require multiple chemical sprays for control,” Yahaya said. “Farmers who used to spray insecticides up to eight times can now spray just twice and still achieve high yields. This technology reduces environmental pollution while improving productivity.”
He explained that genetically engineered varieties such as insect-resistant cowpea and maize were developed to withstand pests capable of destroying up to 80 percent of crops in the field.
Addressing health and environmental concerns, Yahaya urged policymakers and journalists to base their discussions on scientific facts rather than speculation.
“Decisions on agricultural technologies should be guided by science, not fabrications,” he said.
The Director of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Halima Tahir, assured that the Nigerian government maintains strict biosafety regulations to protect public health and the environment.
“Any GMO approved in Nigeria has undergone rigorous scientific assessment to ensure safety for humans, animals, and plants,” she said.
Tahir noted that the recent introduction of Tela Maize, an insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize variety, has reignited public debate, underscoring the need for more education and transparency.
“Our focus is to alleviate public concerns, dispel misinformation, and educate Nigerians on the proven safety and advantages of GMOs,” she said.
She added that biotechnology offers solutions to major agricultural challenges, including food scarcity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation.
“By harnessing genetic engineering, Nigerian scientists have developed crops like Bt Cowpea, Bt Cotton, and Tela Maize that are more resilient to pests, diseases, and climate stress,” Tahir said.
Also speaking, Dr Muhammad Hashim Suleiman of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, urged journalists to report biotechnology based on verified scientific evidence rather than emotion or ideology.
“Science communication is not about taking sides; it’s about helping the public make informed decisions,” Suleiman said. “When journalists choose facts over fear, they help bridge the gap between the laboratory and the dinner table.”
He reminded participants that agricultural biotechnology remains one of the most misunderstood scientific innovations globally, largely because of how it is communicated to the public.
“The future of public understanding of science depends on how the media tells the story,” he said. “If journalists frame biotechnology as a solution to hunger rather than a source of fear, the public will begin to see the potential benefits it brings to farmers and food systems.”
Dr Suleiman further advised media practitioners to engage scientists, regulators, and farmers directly to ensure accuracy and balance in their reporting.
“Our task as communicators is to simplify complex science, not sensationalize it,” he added. “Nigeria needs informed journalism that empowers citizens to embrace innovations that can transform lives.”
