Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), says biotechnology requires robust regulatory frameworks to overcome regulatory hurdles facing its adoption.
Mustapha made this submission in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The director-general, who was reacting to the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding biotechnology in Nigeria, said it needed ethical guidelines, stakeholder engagements and technology transfer mechanisms.
According to him, in understanding biotechnology, it harnesses biological processes, organisms or systems to develop innovative products and solutions.
“The benefits of biotechnology are far-reaching, cutting across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, environment and industry.
“Biotechnology offers environmental solutions such as environmental sustainability through bio-remediation, waste management and renewable energy production.
“Bio-remediation is a branch of biotechnology that employs the use of microbes and bacteria to decontaminate affected parts.
“Microbial bio-remediation techniques clean up contaminated environments, reducing environmental degradation and associated economic costs.’’
The NBRDA boss also explained that in the area of sustainable industrial development, industrial biotechnology promoted sustainable production processes and products.
“Bio-based materials, renewable fuels, and biodegradable plastics are examples of industrial biotechnology applications.
“Adoption of industrial biotechnology fosters environmental conservation and economic opportunities in renewable industries.
“In the area of healthcare advancements, healthcare adoption of biotechnology reduces healthcare costs and stimulates economic growth.
“Biotechnology innovations transform healthcare through personalised medicine, advanced diagnostics and novel treatments,” he said.
Mustapha added that biopharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology processes offered targeted therapies for various diseases.