NBRDA Plans Int’l Biotech Confab To Improve Nigeria’s Economy

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has announced that it will host its maiden International Conference on Biotechnology to bring leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from around the world to Nigeria.

Director -general of NABRDA, Prof Abdullahi Mustapha disclosed this during a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, stressing that the aim of the conference, scheduled to take in Abuja from 15th to Friday, 19th July 2024, is to discuss and explore the transformative potential of biotechnology in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and technological advancement.

Special Guest of Honour at the Conference is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Guest of Honour is former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji is the Chief Host.

According to the NBRDA boss, this conference with the theme “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth” will be a platform to revolutionise Nigeria’s economic sector and the entire African continent by exploring explore pivotal sectors such as agriculture biotechnology, health biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, molecular biology and genetic engineering, ethics and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

About 100 countries and international institutions will participate in the conference to foster collaboration between Nigerian and international scientists, researchers, and industry leaders and discuss more investment in the sector.

“By facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise, we hope to stimulate innovative biotechnological solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities,” he said.

On agriculture, Mustapha said it is aimed at leveraging biotechnology for “improved crop yields and sustainable food security” even as he disclosed that the transgenic insect and drought-resistant maize also known as TELA maize, among others recently launched by the federal government, will be on display at the conference.

Mustapha said that TELA maize in particular has been perfected to improve productivity in the country to help in the efforts to fight food insecurity in the country and reduce over dependence on imported maize. He added that this will be used as a Nigerian brand since it has been approved for commercialization.

“One critical area of focus at the conference is agricultural biotechnology. We will explore how genetically modified crops, improved agricultural practices, and biotechnological innovations can enhance food security, increase crop yields, and support sustainable farming in Nigeria.

“The conference will explore the role of biotechnology in improving healthcare outcomes. Discussions will cover the development of locally-produced biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostic tools that