Nigeria Approves Commercial Release of GM Maize Varieties

The Federal government of Nigeria has granted approval for the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) maize varieties, known as TELA maize. This decision comes after the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries (NCNRRCVLF), led by Prof Olusoji Olufajo, convened its 37th meeting at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan on January 11, 2024.

The four approved TELA maize varieties are SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T. These varieties are designed to be drought-tolerant and resistant to stem-borer and fall armyworm, providing a potential yield advantage of up to 10 tonnes per hectare under optimal agronomic practices, surpassing the national average of 6 tonnes per hectare for similar hybrids. The varieties are suitable for cultivation in Rain Forest, Guinea, and Sudan Savannas.

Stem borers and fall armyworms significantly impact maize production in several African countries, making the development of resistant varieties crucial for food security. The release and registration of these varieties followed environmental release approval granted by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in October 2021.

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, led the development of these improved maize varieties through the TELA Maize Public-Private Partnership coordinated by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). The TELA Maize Project, currently active in five countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa, aims to enhance food and nutrition security.

Prof Ado Yusuf, Executive Director of IAR, expressed pride in the scientists who addressed maize productivity challenges through years of continuous research. Dr Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of AATF, highlighted the contribution of TELA Maize to food and nutrition security in alignment with the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation agenda.

Professor Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), emphasized the significance of the TELA Maize variety in promoting biotechnology for food and nutrition security. Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), welcomed the release, anticipating a reduction in pesticide use, benefiting humans, livestock, and the environment.