The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has stated that food insecurity will be a thing of the past if modern technologies such as biotechnology are applied in food production.
Chief Nnaji revealed this during theInternational Conference on Biotechnology, organised by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), where he noted that with the high-level expertise developed in core biotechnology fields, attracting long-term investors, both domestic and foreign, will not be difficult.
The Minister asserted that biotechnology has the potential to boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by increasing the total value of all goods and services produced in Nigeria.
His words: “This optimism is grounded in the fact that science fuels production expansion. We have many patriotic and innovative biotechnologists who can ensure that more goods and services are produced and made available in our economy, thus contributing to the economic diversification agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“I am strongly persuaded that food insecurity will become a thing of the past in Nigeria with the application of biotechnology for improved crop yields, drought-resistant crops, and better agricultural practices. However, this also requires attracting investors.
“There are impediments to transforming Nigeria’s economy through biotech innovation, such as the public’s misguided aversion to biotechnology. Many misunderstand what biotechnology is and its contributions to human development.
“To maximise biotechnology’s economic benefits, as seen in the Asian Tigers, we must address these misconceptions through public education and enlightenment campaigns.”
Also speaking, the President of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), Professor Sylvia Uzochukwu, stated that 2024 has been loaded with lots of important international biotechnology conferences in Nigeria.
“In April, the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria held its 36th International Annual Conference in Maiduguri, and the Director General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, was the keynote speaker. Whether it is a case of “the more the merrier or together we are stronger” is yet to be seen.
“In all these biotechnology activities and achievements this year, the release of the country’s third GM product, TELA maize, is one great achievement that should be hailed, in spite of all the public debate around it.
“So, this conference couldn’t have come at a better time and in a better location. It’s going to give all stakeholders another opportunity to engage each other on how modern biotechnology is promoting food security, health care, and environmental sustainability worldwide, and how Nigeria can key into this,” Professor Uzochukwu said.
She, however, assured Nigerians that the adoption of products of modern biotechnology, such as genetically modified foods, is done after a very robust safety evaluation by a competent regulatory agency.
We must not allow ourselves and the public to be misinformed and misguided on the importance of adopting modern biotechnology and related technologies in moving the country,” the BSN President added.
