Nigeria is witnessing a growing public debate over the quiet introduction of genetically modified (GM) food crops, especially cowpea — a staple bean consumed widely across the country. The recent surge in controversy was sparked by a viral video shared by Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, who advocated for adopting genetically modified organisms like Bt cowpea as a solution to persistent pest problems. While Egemba emphasized the potential benefits of reduced pesticide use and increased yields, his stance reignited scrutiny from scientists, activists, and farmers, who caution against the rapid acceptance of GM crops without adequate safeguards.

Bt Cowpea and the Promise of Pest Resistance

Bt cowpea is a genetically engineered variety designed to combat the destructive pod borer pest by incorporating a toxin-producing gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This innovation aims to reduce farmers’ reliance on chemical pesticides, which can be costly and harmful to human health and the environment. Supporters argue that Bt cowpea can improve yields and food security for millions of smallholder farmers who depend on cowpea as a dietary staple and source of income.

Dr. Egemba, in his viral social media clip, presented Bt cowpea as a convenient and science-backed solution to these challenges. He highlighted that genetically modified crops could reduce pesticide spraying, lower production costs, and increase productivity — all essential to improving rural livelihoods and national food security.

Voices of Concern: Risks, Transparency, and Sovereignty

Despite these optimistic projections, many experts and civil society actors have voiced serious concerns over the safety and implications of introducing Bt cowpea in Nigeria.

Molecular geneticist Dr. Ify Rhodes‑Vivour has been one of the most vocal critics, warning that Nigerians are not being told the full story. She pointed out that Bt cowpea has already been banned in Burkina Faso due to environmental and health concerns, questioning why Nigeria is now heavily promoting it. She cautioned that Bt cowpea’s genetic modification makes it tolerant to herbicides like glyphosate — a chemical linked by global studies to potential health risks including cancer.

This warning resonated widely on social media. Many users expressed fears that farmers might increasingly spray herbicides on beans, contaminating the food supply without public awareness or regulatory oversight.

Adding to the debate, politician and architect Gbadebo Rhodes‑Vivour, husband to Dr. Ify Rhodes‑Vivour, highlighted the socio-economic risks posed by the introduction of patented GM seeds. He argued that reliance on patented seeds undermines traditional farming autonomy, forcing farmers into a cycle of purchasing expensive seeds annually, losing the ability to save seeds, and becoming trapped in debt.

He also accused Nigerian biosafety regulators, including the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), of lacking transparency, suggesting that approvals for GM crops are often granted without sufficient public consultation, rigorous environmental risk assessments, or long-term studies on safety and impact.

Regulatory Landscape and Government Claims

Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency has approved several genetically modified crops in recent years, including Bt cowpea, GM maize, and GM cotton. The agency claims these GM varieties will enhance productivity, reduce pesticide use, and improve food security.

However, critics argue that these decisions are often made behind closed doors, with limited engagement from farmers, scientists, and the general public. This lack of transparency has fueled mistrust and suspicion regarding the true intentions behind GM crop approvals.

Media and Scientific Perspectives: Balancing Information and Public Trust

Journalist and media scholar Akin Olaniyan weighed in on the debate through his analytical piece titled “Aproko Doctor and the Genetically Modified Gospel of Convenience.” While acknowledging Dr. Egemba’s efforts to make scientific information accessible and engaging, Olaniyan pointed out that the viral video presented a one-sided narrative.

He emphasized the importance of not oversimplifying complex scientific issues that involve food safety, environmental impact, and socio-economic consequences. According to Olaniyan, influencers with scientific reach should avoid “cherry-picking” evidence that supports only one side, especially when public health and national food systems are at stake.

Support from Science: Trials, Yields, and Reduced Pesticide Use

On the other hand, advocates of Bt cowpea have pointed to extensive field trials and studies supporting its safety and benefits. The Alliance for Science at Cornell University released a report noting that Bt cowpea has undergone over a decade of testing in Nigeria, showing reductions in pesticide use by 20 to 80 percent and increased crop yields.

Farmers involved in pilot programs reportedly experienced fewer pest-related losses and decreased expenses on chemicals, alongside receiving training on best practices for planting and seed use. These proponents argue that with transparent policies and farmer education, Bt cowpea could ease the burden on smallholder farmers and contribute positively to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Unresolved Issues and Calls for Caution

Despite these positive findings, independent organizations remain skeptical. A 2022 review by the European biosafety group Testbiotech criticized Nigeria’s risk assessment processes as insufficient, highlighting concerns about allergenicity, gene flow between GM and wild cowpea varieties, and the long-term stability of Bt proteins under Nigerian environmental conditions.

Civil society groups like the Health of Mother Earth Foundation have urged the government to halt the release of Bt cowpea pending further independent research, emphasizing the need to protect biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the rights of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agriculture.

The Broader Food Safety Context

The conversation around Bt cowpea also draws attention to wider food safety challenges in Nigeria. A comment in the social media discussion recalled an incident where ginger purchased at a market smelled strongly of fuel, forcing disposal due to contamination fears.

Though unrelated to genetic modification, this anecdote highlights problems with chemical misuse, poor storage, and inadequate food safety systems. Experts stress the urgent need to improve regulatory oversight and inspection mechanisms across the entire food supply chain.

What’s Next: Transparency, Public Engagement, and Informed Choice

The genetically modified cowpea debate underscores the need for a transparent, inclusive approach to agricultural innovation in Nigeria.

Key recommendations include:

• Comprehensive, independent studies on environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of GM crops before widespread adoption.

• Transparent public consultations involving farmers, scientists, civil society, and consumers.

• Clear labelling of GM foods to enable informed consumer choices.

• Robust training programs for farmers on safe use and management of GM seeds.

• Strengthened food safety inspections to ensure the safety of all agricultural products, GM or non-GM.

Conclusion: The Stakes for Nigeria’s Food Future

Cowpea is a dietary staple deeply embedded in Nigerian culture, featured in beloved dishes such as moimoi, akara, and gbegiri. Any changes to its natural form carry significant implications for public health, agriculture, and food sovereignty.

As Dr. Ify Rhodes‑Vivour aptly summarized: “The science exists, but so do the risks. Nigerians deserve to eat food that’s safe, nutritious, and clean—not experimental crops rejected elsewhere.”

Navigating the balance between innovation and precaution is critical. Nigeria’s policymakers, scientists, and citizens must work together to ensure that agricultural advancements truly serve the nation’s long-term interests — safeguarding health, empowering farmers, and securing the future of the food on Nigerian tables.