By TOLU AIYEGBUSI

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 said that the revised policy was approved at Wednesday FEC meeting 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.

She said the framework provided direction for emerging technologies, including precision agriculture, climate-smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, gene editing and genomics.

According to Omozuwa, the approval also includes the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership, formalising Nigeria’s participation in the Global Biotechnology Partnership.

She said the partnership was expected to strengthen Nigeria’s access to international collaboration, technical expertise and investment opportunities in biotechnology.

She quoted the Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, as saying the approval provided 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 said 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 said the agency would focus on translating the policy provisions into technologies, products and services capable of addressing critical national challenges.

The NBRDA chief commended 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. (NAN)

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