CSO warns against release of genetically-engineered mosquitoes in Nigeria
Over 75 Civil Society Organizations from Nigeria, Africa and the world have condemned moves to open the way for the release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Nigeria.
Their condemnation follows a recent call by the West African Integrated Vector Management Programme and the National Biosafety Management Agency for the fast track the introduction of genetically based vector control methods such as transgenic mosquitoes into Nigeria.
Reacting, the coalition in a statement warned against the introduction of the transgenic mosquitoes, genetically modified vectors or other unproven technologies into Nigeria as such releases would pose serious risks to humans, the nations’ biodiversity and its ecosystem balance.
The groups noted that presently, there is no reviewed assessment of the transgenic mosquitoes or international protocols for evaluating its safety implications and as such should not be implemented in Nigeria.
The Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Nnimmo Bassey, said the regulatory pathways for genetically engineered vector control of mosquitoes are actually rigged pathways to making the environment a testing ground for risky and needless experimentation.
