Challenges and Prospects of Genetic Modified Products Under NBMAAct

This article discusses the challenges and prospects of genetic modified products under NBMA Act. The food market is undergoing profound changes in developed and underdeveloped countries like Nigeria where the issue of economic recession has affected food security, especially in the area of transgenic products known as the Genetically Modified (GM) products which has caused huge controversy among consumers, environmental groups, farmers, researchers and companies. The intrusive process of GM products has existed for thousands of years, many times through mistakes and failures, was initially carried out through the crossing of organisms with desirable features. This was done with the aim of creating and producing new plants and animals that would benefit humans, that is, they would offer better quality food, more opportunities for people to move and transport products, greater returns to work, resistance to diseases, etc. Some basic concepts related to genetically modified products include: Notion of substantial equivalence; precautionary principle; safeguard clause; Cartagena protocol; and labeling of genetically modified products. It is a common ground that humans have always modified the genome of both plants and animals because of its numerous benefits such as hunger elimination, economic benefits, insect and nematode resistance, among others. However, creating genetically modified organisms does not proceed without conflicts. One part of the equation concerns objections made by disputants of genetically modified organisms to the manipulation of life, as opposed to defenders who argue that it is essentially an extension of traditional plant cultivation and animal breeding techniques. There are also conflicts regarding the risks to the environment and human health from using genetically modified organisms. The absence of a globally accepted framework of the NBMA Act has affected the decrease in technological development with negative consequences in advance development of new technologies. The way forward put in place recommended that GMO Act Associated with NBMA Act should be harmonized together and implemented using actionable plans. Genetically modified crops can provide maximum benefits in food safety and in adapting crops to existing climate change without jeopardizing the environment and human health.