By Esther Samson
The Director General of the Nigerian’s Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha has stressed the need for stakeholders to collaborate together in order to propel Nigeria to the forefront of Biotechnology revolution.
Abdullahi made this known on Monday during the opening of the international Conference on Biotechnology (ICOB 2024), the first of such conference to be held in Nigeria.
With a theme titled: Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth the NBRDA DG said the conference, which is being held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja presents biotechnology as a technology that could be used healthcare delivery for improved outcomes.
On environmental, he said Biotechnology provides innovative solutions for waste management, pollution control and renewable energy production by developing Biofuels, Bioplastics and Bioremediation techniques.
“We can reduce our carbon footprint, protect natural resources and create real jobs,” Prof Mustapha said.
In the area of industry, the NBRDA DG said industrial Biotechnology can revoultionalize Nigeria’s manufacturing processes, making them more effective, cost effective and environmentally friendly.
He noted that in realizing the full potential of Biotechnology, collective efforts is required by stakeholders, adding, “We must invest in research and development, strengthen our educational institutions and create an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship,” Prof. Mustapha said in his remarks.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Shettima Kashim, who was represented on the day by Special Adviser to the Office of the President, and former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Aliyu Modibbo, disclosed that more effort is needed to keep Biotechnology at a high peak.
“As we are on the threshold as a country, we have to walk the extra mile. We have to endure and persevere because the promise land is very near but it requires commitment and sacrifice ” he said.
President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Architect Kabiru Ibrahim said, as stakeholders and beneficiaries of Biotechnology, Nigeria’s economic growth is embedded in its understanding and utilization of Biotechnology into prosperity.
