Nigeria has become the second African country to approve the commercial cultivation of genetically modified maize

 In January 2024, Nigeria approved the commercial rollout of four TELA maize varieties that have been genetically engineered to have higher insect resistance and drought tolerance. In addition to South Africa, Nigeria has become the second country in Africa to approve the commercialization of genetically modified maize.

In October 2021, Nigeria's NBMA approved environmental release trials and field trials for the TELA maize varieties SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T and SAMMAZ 75T. The Nigerian Agricultural Research Institute conducted a nationwide performance trial of these four varieties in 10 states with diverse agroecological conditions.

The Armyworm infestation was first detected in Nigeria in 2016 and has rapidly spread to other parts of West Africa and the African continent. Studies have shown that Armyworm can reduce corn yields in affected areas by 20 to 50 percent and increase production costs through increased labor and pesticide use. According to a study published by the Nigerian government, the average loss of maize production in each Nigerian state affected by the Armyworm has been $53 million since 2016. Compared to conventional hybrids, TELA corn can potentially reverse yield losses and reduce labor and costs.

In the 2022/2023 marketing year, Nigeria's maize production is estimated at 12.7 million tonnes (MMT) with an average yield of 2.2 tonnes per hectare. According to the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), if planted and managed with good agronomic practices, the yield of TELA maize can reach 10 tonnes per hectare.