The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, has maintained that Nigeria’s food import bill can be reduced if the country adopts biotechnology in agriculture.
Professor Mustapha, who stated this on Monday at the opening of the Nigeria International Conference on Biotechnology, further noted that it has revolutionised industries across the globe, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today.
He said the Nigerian agricultural sector will stand to benefit immensely from biotechnological advancement.
“With a significant portion of our population reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, the adoption of genetically modified crops, improved pest resistance, and enhanced nutritional content can lead to increased yields, reduced losses, and improved food security.
“By embracing these innovations, we can transform Nigeria into a breadbasket for the continent and beyond, reducing our reliance on food imports and boosting our export potential,” Professor Mustapha said.
Furthermore, the DG said biotechnology offers the promise of personalised medicine, ensuring that treatments are tailored to individual patients, thereby improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
He noted that by investing in biopharmaceutical research and development, the country can create a robust healthcare industry that not only serves its population but also becomes a hub for medical tourism and pharmaceutical exports.
Professor Mustapha, however, said that the development of new vaccines, diagnostic tools, and therapies can address endemic diseases that have long plagued our nation.
On environmental issues, the NBRDA boss noted that by developing biofuels, bioplastics, and bioremediation techniques, Nigeria can reduce its carbon footprint, protect its natural resources, and create green jobs.
“Biotechnology provides innovative solutions for waste management, pollution control, and renewable energy production. This aligns with our commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
“Industrial biotechnology can revolutionise our manufacturing processes, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
“Through the use of enzymes, microorganisms, and bio-based materials, we can produce a wide range of products, from bio-based chemicals to biodegradable plastics. This not only reduces our dependence on fossil fuels but also opens up new avenues for industrial growth and innovation,” he noted.
Mustapha, therefore, said that realising the full potential of biotechnology requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
He said Nigeria must invest in research and development, strengthen its educational institutions, and create an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Public-private partnerships, international collaborations, and supportive policies are essential to driving this agenda forward,” he added.
Also, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Conference, Dr. Rose Gidado, said the conference was designed to advance knowledge and foster collaboration in biotechnology for the betterment of humankind.
Furthermore, she listed the objectives of the conference to include “highlighting advancements in biotechnology globally and discussing their potential applications and benefits to the African continent.
“To demonstrate biotechnology’s potential to drive economic growth, to connect African scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders with international expertise, to explore industry engagement, and to identify challenges and opportunities for biotechnology and biosafety.”
Dr Gidado, who is also the Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at NBRDA, noted that the conference seeks to become Africa’s leading innovators’ forum that inspires the next generation and a hub for policy dialogue, poised at the intersection of scientific inquiry and societal advancement.