Nigeria To Build Sovereign Bioeconomy Database With Genomics Infrastructure

The federal government has unveiled plans to establish the National Genomics and Bioinformatics Data Generation, Repository and Management Infrastructure (NGBR), a flagship initiative aimed at building a sovereign genomic database and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global bioeconomy.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja , the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Abdullahi Mustapha, described the project as a major step in Nigeria’s scientific and technological evolution.

He said the initiative would enable Nigeria to capture, store and analyse genomic data across humans, plants, animals and microorganisms, addressing a global imbalance where more than 80 per cent of genomic data is derived from non-African populations.

Mustapha said Nigeria’s vast genetic diversity represents an untapped scientific and economic resource, describing its utilisation as both “a scientific necessity and an economic imperative.”

According to him, the NGBR will serve as a national backbone for innovation in healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, environmental management and the digital economy, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that in healthcare, the initiative would enable early disease detection, personalised treatment and drug discovery tailored to Nigerian populations, reducing reliance on foreign genomic datasets.

“With Nigeria’s genomic evaluation and data infrastructure, the country will now support the development of precision and personalised medicine designed specifically for Nigerians,” he said.

In agriculture, Mustapha said the project would support climate-smart, high-yield and disease-resistant crops, strengthening food security and rural productivity.

He added that it would also enhance biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring and climate adaptation using indigenous biological data.

The NBRDA chief said the initiative would create opportunities across biotechnology, artificial intelligence, fintech and data science, positioning genomic data as a potential national economic asset.

He added that structured training programmes would equip Nigerian graduates with skills in genomics, bioinformatics and computational biology, while also supporting startups in biotech, healthtech and biofintech sectors.

The agency announced partnerships with private sector firms, including Basani Digital Innovations Limited, to expand digital health solutions, and Indygeneus Bio Incorporated to deploy genomic analytics platforms such as Clinico-Genomic Intelligence Engine (CGIE) and GenEQ.

Director of Genomics and Bioinformatics at NBRDA, Shakirat Ajenifujah, said the system would strengthen disease surveillance and enable early detection of emerging pathogens.

Officials said the total cost of the project is yet to be finalised, noting that large-scale genomic sequencing requires sustained long-term investment.

Mustapha said Nigeria is positioning itself among a small group of African countries developing advanced genomic infrastructure, including South Africa.

He stressed that the initiative should be seen as a strategic national asset capable of driving innovation in medicine, agriculture and industrial biotechnology.

“Countries investing in genomic science are already making breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture and industrial biotechnology. Nigeria is ready to become an active driver in the global bioeconomy,” he said.