Dr. Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, a biotechnology expert, says the multi-stakeholder review and validation workshop to update the National Policy on Biotechnology will address consumer concerns about biotechnology products and services.
Ajenifujah-Solebo, Chairman of the Secretariat Policy Review Committee on Biotechnology, made the statement on Tuesday at a two-day workshop in Abuja. She is also the Director of the Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department at the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
She explained that the revised policy would directly benefit biotechnology consumers and ensure a robust national framework incorporating contemporary innovations, research, and technology.
“The validation workshop will help Nigeria maintain a competitive edge in the biotechnology value chain within a bioeconomy worth trillions of dollars,” she said.
The chairman noted that while the previous policy included provisions for consumer awareness, these were not adequately implemented, even as biotechnology products are increasingly developed and used in the country.
“This makes it crucial to ensure consumers are well-informed—not only in agricultural biotechnology but across medical, environmental, and other sectors,” she said. “That is why we brought in stakeholders from consumer advocacy groups, the Consumer Protection Council, and others to raise awareness and prepare Nigerians to accept biotechnology and its products.”
Ajenifujah-Solebo also expressed concern that Nigeria has yet to fully secure its place in the global bioeconomy but was optimistic that the revised policy would change that.
“We are hopeful that integrating innovations and cutting-edge technology into the policy will position Nigeria to fully benefit from the global bioeconomy,” she said.
She added that the policy update was long overdue, noting that the existing policy is over two decades old and does not reflect recent technological advances.
“The revised and validated document will serve as a reference point, incorporating future technologies and innovations, ensuring Nigeria takes its rightful place in biotechnology development,” she said.
