Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) and Its Environmental Conflict Situation in Nigeria

摘要

Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are economic activities as well as invention. Thus, the increase in population and a corresponding increase in human economic activities with their consequent impact on the environment are visibly retarding the conditions of life on earth. Obviously, there is a cause and effect relationship between human economic activities and the damage done to the environment. Nigeria has adopted the use of biotechnology to enhance food nutritional values. The introduction of genetically modified foods to Nigeria is generating huge debates because of the seemingly the environmental conflicts it will ensue thus raising a number of fundamental questions about its impacts on the environment. In spite of these controversies, GMO has been presented to Nigeria as the ultimate weapon against hunger. This paper will highlight the motivations for introducing genetically modified foods (GMOs) to Nigeria and the controversies generated on the environmental conflicts it could cause in Nigeria. The paper argues that there is an environmental conflict, caused by this human invention which needs to be resolved. Therefore, this paper will identify the potential environmental conflicts that the introduction of GMO could cause in Nigeria and provide conflict management mechanisms for fine tuning of existing policies to de-escalate the conflicts among the stakeholders. The paper concludes with suggestions that will make the country harness the benefits of the technology.