Abstract
This paper examined the topic: “The Regulation of Genetically modified organisms in Nigeria- Issues arising and Legal implications”. The methodology adopted is the doctrinal research method. Primary sources of law were derived from statutes, subsidiary legislations, protocols; while the secondary sources were derived from journals and electronic articles from verified sources which were acknowledged. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the regulatory framework, if any, for genetically modified organisms in Nigeria and the extent of these laws which covers the handling and acceptability of the subject and whether it is encompassing and far reaching. This paper further seeks to scrutinize the efficacy and effectiveness of the legislations to be able to checkmate the importation of genetic seeds into the country, presuming that relevant personnel in the field are ready to allay the fears and debates which have engaged the minds of Nigerians on the subject; it highlights the various laws in Nigeria and sheds light on the various protocol and conventions Nigeria has participated in on the subject of discuss; National Biosafety Management Agency (Amendment Act) 2019, the Convention on Biological Diversity, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It considered issues in the country since the commercialization of genetically modified organisms, which organisms have the ability to resist insects, viruses, and herbicides, reducing pesticide use and improving yield. It concludes that with the future prospect of commercial GMFs in Nigeria, there should be an assessment of the relevant agency’s capacity to continually monitor the effect of consuming these products, that promulgating laws are not enough, training personnel in the relevant agencies must be taken into consideration as genetically modified organisms raise concerns as to health and environment, especially in a country like Nigeria that is yet to advance in technology.
Ezeribe, Chinwendu Comfort, pp 71 – 87
