The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s biotechnology sector.
Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary of NBRDA, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Omozuwa said the revised policy, approved at Wednesday’s FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, would update Nigeria’s 2001 biotechnology policy after 25 years of scientific and technological advancement.
According to her, the framework is designed to strengthen biotechnology research, development, application and commercialization across agriculture, healthcare, industrial production and environmental sustainability.
She said the policy also provides direction for emerging technologies, including precision agriculture, climate-smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, gene editing and genomics.
Omozuwa said the approval also included the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership, which formalizes Nigeria’s participation in the Global Biotechnology Partnership.
She said the initiative was expected to expand Nigeria’s access to international collaborations, technical expertise and investment opportunities in biotechnology.
The Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, described the approval as a significant milestone in the country’s biotechnology development.
“This approval marks an important chapter in Nigeria’s biotechnology development,” Mustapha said.
He said the revised policy would provide the direction needed to strengthen research, promote technology transfer and accelerate the commercialization of biotechnology innovations.
According to him, the framework would promote innovation, attract investment and increase biotechnology’s contribution to national development by converting research outcomes into practical solutions and economic opportunities.
Mustapha said NBRDA would work with government institutions, research organizations, universities, industry players and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
He said the agency would prioritize the translation of policy provisions into technologies, products and services capable of addressing critical national challenges.
The NBRDA chief commended President Tinubu for his commitment to advancing science, technology and innovation in Nigeria.
He said the approval demonstrated the administration’s recognition of biotechnology as a strategic tool for economic growth and national development.
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Mustapha also commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, for his dedication and sustained support for the development of biotechnology.
He expressed optimism that the revised policy would provide a stronger foundation for Nigeria to harness biotechnology for sustainable development, innovation and economic growth.
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