The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency has convened a multi-stakeholder review and validation workshop to update and strengthen the National Biotechnology Policy and reposition Nigeria for active participation in the global bioeconomy.
The two-day workshop, holding from December 8 to 9, 2025, in Abuja, brings together government officials, researchers and experts to assess existing policy frameworks and ensure the revised document aligns with emerging scientific priorities.
Declaring the workshop open on Monday, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kinsley Udeh, said a modern biotechnology policy must be adaptive and forward-looking, capable of responding to rapid developments in science and technology. He described the review as a national call to renew commitment, deepen coordination and ensure policy actions translate into real socio-economic benefits for Nigerians.
Dr Udeh urged participants to focus on strengthening the biotechnology ecosystem by increasing research investment, upgrading laboratory infrastructure and developing a trusted regulatory framework that ensures safety while accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions.
Director General of the agency, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, noted that the National Biotechnology Policy—first approved in 2001—must now reflect sweeping global advances such as genomics, gene editing, synthetic biology, bio-manufacturing and climate-smart technologies driving the modern bioeconomy.
He outlined participants’ responsibilities, including reviewing the zero draft, harmonizing contributions and validating the 2025 policy to support food security, healthcare innovation, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability and enhanced bioinformatics capacity.
Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, who explained the review methodology, stressed the need for Nigeria to integrate emerging biotechnologies into its national framework to strengthen its competitiveness in the global bioeconomy.
Day one of the workshop featured goodwill messages and harmonization sessions focused on priority implementation areas, ensuring diverse stakeholder views guide development of a comprehensive, future-ready biotechnology policy aimed at fostering resilience and advancing innovation nationwide.
