The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) has affirmed its support for the safe application of biotechnology, citing its role in improving healthcare delivery, ensuring food security, and promoting a sustainable environment.
Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of BSN, made the statement on Monday during an interview with reporters in Abuja, amid ongoing debates over the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and food security concerns.
Uzochukwu explained that biotechnology involves using biological systems, living organisms, or their components to develop innovative products. She highlighted its impact on healthcare, citing the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines that helped curb the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Modern biotechnology has revolutionized healthcare. Procedures such as gene therapy are becoming increasingly routine for treating genetic diseases,” she said, noting ongoing advancements in sickle cell research and the potential for affordable cures for other DNA-linked conditions such as hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS.
In agriculture, she emphasized that biotechnology is helping improve crop quality. “Nigerian beans, for instance, will soon no longer face rejection in international trade due to high pesticide residues and cancer-causing fungal toxins. Nigerian scientists have developed insect-resistant beans, called Bt cowpea, which require minimal or no insecticide sprays,” Uzochukwu said.
She also highlighted the environmental benefits of biotechnology, noting that pest-resistant crops reduce the need for toxic chemicals, thereby making the air, surface water, and groundwater safer for humans and aquatic life.
“Modern biotechnology techniques are here to stay and will continue to improve, with enormous potential to enhance human life,” she said.
Prof. Uzochukwu assured that Nigerian scientists are committed to promoting and regulating biotechnology responsibly, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
