By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria–June 11, 2026 (Series News Online)–The Botanical Society of Nigeria, BOSON, has advised the federal government and relevant stakeholders to approach the deployment of Genetically Modified Organisms with caution while intensifying efforts to conserve Nigeria’s indigenous plant species for national food security and ecological stability.
The advisory emerged at the end of BOSON’s 32nd annual conference, which concluded on June 10, 2026, at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, after four days of deliberations. The conference attracted botanists, academics, postgraduate students and researchers drawn from universities, research institutes and colleges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, alongside scholars from other African nations and an international research body, BOSON said in its post-conference communique.
In his opening remarks, BOSON President Prof. Adamu Aliyu Aliero described the theme, “GMO Science at the Crossroads: Balancing Food Security, Biosafety, and Public Safety”, as urgent in light of rapid biotech developments and public misconceptions.
“It is with immense pleasure and profound pride that I welcome you all to the 32nd Annual Conference of the Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON)... Against this backdrop, the theme of our 32nd Annual Conference, ‘GMO Science at the Crossroads: Balancing Food Security, Biosafety, and Public Safety’, could not be more timely, relevant, or urgent,” Prof. Aliero stated in his welcome address.
Prof. Moji T. Bakare-Odunola, DVC Academics , represented the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, during the opening session. Prof. R.O. Arise also delivered remarks at the ceremony.
The technical sessions were led by four keynote speakers. Prof. M. Abberton of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture addressed “Bridging traditional and modern knowledge in plant science”. Prof. O.T. Ogundipe of the University of Lagos spoke on “Bioeconomy, Circular economy and Green entrepreneurship in botany”. Prof. G. A. Aderounmu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Obafemi Awolowo University, presented “Academic-Industry Linkages and Funding Opportunities in Botanical Research”. Senior Advocate Dr. T.C. Jaja, SAN, reviewed the “Legislative Framework for Regulation of GMOs in Nigeria”.
“The main theme of the conference was ‘GMO Science at Crossroads: Balancing Food Security, Biosafety and Public Safety’. Three invited plenary talks were presented by Professors T. Ogundipe of the University of Lagos, G. A. Aderounmu, DVC Academics, Obafemi Awolowo University, and a legal practitioner, Dr. T.C. Jaja, SAN. Professor Abberton of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture spoke on ‘Bridging traditional and modern knowledge in plant science’,” BOSON reported.
Participation was robust, with 381 delegates registered. Of that number, 256 attended physically while 125 joined virtually. The conference received and accepted 365 scientific papers across seven thematic tracks, covering climate-smart botany, urban greening, ethnobotany and phytochemistry, biodiversity conservation, underutilised crops, plant-microbe interactions, and molecular biology and biotechnology.
Summarising the conference position, BOSON President Prof. Adamu Aliyu Aliero said GMO deployment must be guided by strict institutional regulation to safeguard public interest.
“Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), while currently attracting much attention, which is understandable, should be adopted with utmost caution and, where necessary, adequate institutional oversight should be put in place to effectively monitor and supervise such implementation,” Prof. Aliero said.
Prof. Aliero also expressed concern over the widespread use of foreign ornamental plants in public and private facilities, and urged a shift toward indigenous species with aesthetic and economic value.
“There appears to be a preponderance of plant ornamentation of exotic origin in our various governmental and non-governmental institutions; the use of native plant species with ornamental potential should be encouraged as viable alternatives,” Prof. Aliero said.
The BOSON President further called on governments and universities to act swiftly to identify, preserve and protect rare and threatened plant species before they disappear.
“A deliberate policy and action by government and other stakeholders, propelled principally by universities, is necessary to seek, secure and protect rare plants and remnants of badly depleted biodiversity resources before they become endangered or extinct,” Prof. Aliero stated.
On traditional knowledge, Prof. Aliero warned that Nigeria’s ethnobotanical records remain largely undocumented and at risk of being lost.
“Ethnobotany continues to form the bedrock of our traditional repository of the use of local plants. Most records of these are currently unavailable in public spaces; therefore, there is a need to document such information as a deliberate measure in alleviating this knowledge gap,” Prof. Aliero said.
Prof. Aliero acknowledged the efforts of the Local Organising Committee, led by Prof. A. A. Abdulrahman, and expressed appreciation to the University of Ilorin management for hosting the event.
“I wish to express my sincere commendation and appreciation to the Local Organising Committee, ably chaired by Professor A. A. Abdulrahman, for their diligence, dedication, and meticulous planning in bringing this conference to fruition,” Prof. Aliero said.
The opening ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of Nigerian Journal of Botany, Volume 38, Issues 1 and 2, covering June and December 2025.
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