Abuja: The Federal Government says it will take steps to build public trust in biotech innovations to revolutionize agricultural practices. The decision was reached on Monday in Abuja at a public lecture hosted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), and the University of Abuja. The lecture, themed 'Advancing Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security and Economic Growth in Nigeria', was attended by policymakers, scientists, stakeholders, and industry leaders.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Okogbenin, AATF Director of Product Development and Commercialisation, stated that agricultural biotechnology, when responsibly developed and effectively adopted, offers a powerful set of tools that help address challenges. "Nigeria and Kenya, along with Ghana, stand out as leaders on the continent, having made significant progress in commercializing biotech crops such as Bt Cotton, Bt Maize, and PBR Cowpea," Okogbenin said. He emphasized that these innovations are not just scientific milestones but represent real opportunities to transform lives, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance national food systems.
The AATF Director, represented by Yarama Ndirpaya, AATF Tela Programme Manager/Out-Grower Strategy Lead in Nigeria, highlighted the need to acknowledge hurdles such as regulatory uncertainties, persistent misinformation, and public skepticism that continue to slow adoption. "That is why this forum is so important; it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding," he said.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, noted that biotech innovations hold the promise for tackling agricultural challenges like unrest, stress, and pandemics, offering solutions for a better future. Represented by Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department of the NBRDA, Mustapha disclosed that the lecture would discuss the transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria. He emphasized that through harnessing science and technology, resilient crop varieties can be developed, improving pest and disease resistance, enhancing nutritional content, all while ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Prof. Patricia Lar, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, remarked on the monumental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria, including food insecurity, climate change, pest infestations, and soil degradation, which threaten the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Despite these challenges, she noted that opportunities still exist for innovation, collaboration, and transformation. Represented by Prof. Ahmed Dan-Kishiya, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Lar expressed optimism that the power of agricultural biotechnology could be harnessed in Nigeria to ensure no family goes hungry.
Vitumbiko Chinoko, Project Manager of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), outlined the objectives of the lecture, which aims to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks while expanding collaboration and innovation opportunities in agricultural technology. The event featured expert presentations and panel discussions, focusing on 'The Science of Agricultural Biotechnology: Case of Nigeria with a focus on PBR Cowpea'. The second session concentrated on creating an enabling environment for the development of GM crops in Nigeria.