By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has launched a two-day multi-stakeholder workshop to review and update the National Biotechnology Policy, to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global bioeconomy.
The event, held in Abuja from December 8 to 9, 2025, brought together government officials, researchers, and experts to evaluate the existing policy and ensure its alignment with current scientific and technological advancements.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop on December 8, Dr. Kinsley Udeh, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, emphasized the need for a forward-looking biotechnology policy that can effectively respond to emerging scientific trends and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
He called for enhanced coordination, renewed commitment, and the establishment of a framework that would transform scientific research into tangible solutions for the Nigerian population.
Dr. Udeh also stressed the importance of improving the biotechnology ecosystem by increasing investments in research, upgrading laboratory facilities, and developing a trusted regulatory framework to ensure safety and speed up the application of scientific discoveries.
The Director-General of NBRDA, Abdullahi Mustapha, noted that the National Biotechnology Policy, first approved in 2001, now needs to reflect significant advancements in areas like genomics, genetic editing, synthetic biology, bio-manufacturing, and climate-smart technologies that are shaping the global bioeconomy.
He outlined the workshop’s key objectives, which include reviewing the zero draft of the policy, harmonizing contributions, and validating the 2025 revision.
The updated policy is expected to address key sectors such as food security, healthcare innovation, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and the growth of bioinformatics.
Dr. Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, a key facilitator of the review process, highlighted the importance of integrating emerging biotechnologies into the policy to position Nigeria competitively in the global bioeconomy.
She emphasized that these technologies are critical for advancing innovation and enhancing the country’s economic resilience.
The first day of the workshop featured goodwill messages and collaborative sessions focused on identifying priority areas for policy implementation.
The discussions aimed to ensure that the revised policy reflects a wide range of stakeholder perspectives, strengthening Nigeria’s ability to leverage biotechnology for national growth and global competitiveness.
