The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary of NBRDA, said the revised policy would harness biotechnology more effectively for Nigeria’s economic and national development.
She noted that the policy was approved at Wednesday’s FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu, to update Nigeria’s 2001 biotechnology policy after 25 years of scientific and technological advances.
The agency said the policy would strengthen biotechnology research, development, application, and commercialisation across agriculture, healthcare, industrial production, and environmental sustainability.
Omozuwa added that the framework provides direction for emerging technologies, including precision agriculture, climate-smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, gene editing, and genomics.
According to her, the approval also includes the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership, which formalises Nigeria’s participation in the Global Biotechnology Partnership.
She said the partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s access to international collaboration, technical expertise, and investment opportunities in biotechnology.
Omozuwa quoted the Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, as saying the approval provides the policy direction needed to strengthen research and promote technology transfer and commercialisation.
“This approval marks an important chapter in Nigeria’s biotechnology development,” Mustapha said.
He stated that the policy would promote innovation, attract investment, and expand biotechnology’s contribution to national development by translating research outcomes into practical solutions and economic opportunities.
Mustapha said NBRDA would collaborate with relevant government institutions, research organisations, universities, industry, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the revised policy.
He added that the agency would focus on translating the policy provisions into technologies, products, and services capable of addressing critical national challenges.
The NBRDA Director-General commended President Tinubu for his commitment to advancing innovation, science, and technology in the country.
He said the approval demonstrated his administration’s recognition of biotechnology as an important tool for Nigeria’s economic and national development.
Mustapha further commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, for his dedication and sustained support for biotechnology development.
He expressed optimism that the revised policy would provide a stronger foundation for Nigeria to harness biotechnology for sustainable development and economic growth.
