In recent weeks, a storm has erupted across Nigerian social media and public discourse following renewed involvement of billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While Gates, through his foundation, has long supported biotech solutions to improve crop yield and food security across Africa, many Nigerians see the recent push as an affront to food sovereignty and public health.

The controversy reignited after reports surfaced of Gates-backed programs promoting GMO crops like maize and cassava, often without transparent public consultation. Critics argue these interventions sideline local farmers, threaten biodiversity, and place Nigeria's food system in the hands of multinational biotech corporations. Proponents of GMOs tout their potential to combat hunger and climate change, but in Nigeria, skepticism runs deep — and history, including concerns over colonialism and external control, fuels the fire.

Many Nigerians have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, voicing anger over what they perceive as neocolonial interference in domestic affairs. Hashtags like #RejectGMO and #BillGatesKeepOff trended for days, underscoring a wider sentiment: Nigerians want agricultural progress, but not at the cost of their autonomy or health.

At the heart of the issue is a lack of trust in government transparency, in foreign foundations, and in the science being promoted. As the debate grows, one thing is clear: Nigerians are demanding more agency in shaping the future of their food and farming.