The Nigerian government has approved the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) maize containing the genetic events MON 87460 and MON 89034, developed by the Nigerian Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR). The genetic event MON 89034 provides resistance to lepidopteran pests, such as stem borers and fall armyworm, whilst the genetic event MON 87460 provides tolerance to drought conditions. The GM maize variety was developed as part of the TELA Maize Project, a public-private partnership that is working towards initiating commercialisation of transgenic drought-tolerant and insect-protected maize varieties to enhance food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.