Farmer Showcases GM TELA Maize, Urges Govt To Scale Up Seed Access

An Abuja-based farmer, Mr. Andrew Nanfwang, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate access to TELA maize seeds for farmers across the country, following the remarkable performance of the genetically modified (GM) crop on his farm.

Speaking during a farm visit by representatives from several federal agencies, Mr. Nanfwang highlighted how the TELA maize variety helped him overcome a prolonged dry spell that affected most maize fields in his area.

"This year, we experienced a drought that lasted over three weeks. Most farms in my locality were severely impacted, but my TELA maize withstood the dry spell,” he said. 

“People constantly stop by my farm, amazed by what they see. They ask what magic I’ve done, and I tell them—it’s TELA.” He added.

He explained that he first accessed the seed through a friend and decided to plant it experimentally. Encouraged by the results, he is now advocating for broader access.

“Nigeria has a maize production shortfall of about four million metric tonnes annually. Making TELA maize seed available to farmers nationwide would go a long way in bridging that gap. Already, more than ten farmers have approached me to reserve seeds for the next planting season,” he noted.

Nigeria currently produces an estimated 11 million metric tonnes of maize annually, falling short of the national demand of 15 million metric tonnes.

Dr. Yarama Ndipaya of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), who hosted the visitors, emphasized the clear performance advantages of GM crops like TELA maize over conventional varieties in terms of yield and climate resilience.

“Farmers are eager for these technologies because they deliver results,” said Dr. Ndipaya.

 “We’re working to expand seed availability so that the government’s investment in agriculture translates into tangible benefits for farmers.” He added.

Mrs. Mercy Ugwu of the FCCPC praised the initiative and called for more farm-level tours to strengthen public understanding of GM technology.

“This kind of engagement is vital. It allows regulators, stakeholders, and even consumers to see the science in action and ask the important questions. It helps demystify GMOs,” she said.

The visit was part of a broader effort to promote science-based understanding of agricultural biotechnology and support informed policy decisions to improve food security.

The visiting delegation included officials from the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA).

Founded in 2003 to address Africa’s food security prospects through agricultural technology, AATF believes that the agricultural sector is a key foundational pillar as Africa consolidates its economic growth and carves out its new position as a major global economic powerhouse and the next growth market in the world.

 It was formed in response to the need for an effective mechanism that would facilitate and support negotiation for technology access and delivery and formation of appropriate partnerships to manage the development & deployment of innovative technologies for use by smallholder farmers in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA):For further information.