Nigeria Urged to Embrace Modern Biotechnology

Strategic Insights -

The President of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, has emphasized the importance of embracing modern biotechnology, citing its potential to address challenges such as population growth and climate change. Uzochukwu expressed delight that Nigeria has begun to adopt the technology, but highlighted the need for a more product-based regulatory approach to ensure the safe use of genetic engineering. She called on the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to focus on the safety of products rather than their production process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of the BSN, has advised Nigeria to embrace modern biotechnology, citing its potential to address challenges such as population growth and climate change.
  • The BSN President emphasized that biotechnology is not just about providing food security and revolutionizing healthcare, but also charting the course of international trade and diplomacy.
  • Nigeria has established the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to ensure the safety of biotechnology products, but Uzochukwu has called for a more product-based regulatory approach.
  • The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) is mandated to promote biotechnology in Nigeria and regulate its products 20 years after its inception.
  • Donors are withdrawing funds from biotechnology projects, and the government is urged to channel funds to science and technology to support these initiatives.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria's population growth rate is a major challenge that biotechnology can help address.
  • Climate change is another critical issue that biotechnology can assist in mitigating.
  • The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has the mandate to ensure the safety of genetically engineered food products before commercial release.
  • The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has 20 years of experience promoting biotechnology in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • (News Agency of Nigeria, 13 June 2025)