The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026, a move the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) says will harness biotechnology more effectively for Nigeria’s economic and national development.
The approval was granted at Wednesday’s FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Toyin Omozuwa, press secretary of NBRDA. The revised policy updates Nigeria’s 2001 biotechnology policy, reflecting 25 years of scientific and technological advances.
Policy Aims to Strengthen Research and Commercialisation
The agency said the policy would strengthen biotechnology research, development, application and commercialisation across agriculture, healthcare, industrial production and environmental sustainability. It also provides direction for emerging technologies, including precision agriculture, climate-smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, gene editing and genomics.
Ms Omozuwa said the approval also includes the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership, formalising Nigeria’s participation in the Global Biotechnology Partnership. This partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s access to international collaboration, technical expertise and investment opportunities in biotechnology.
NBRDA Director-General Welcomes Approval
NBRDA Director-General Abdullahi Mustapha said the approval provides the policy direction needed to strengthen research and promote technology transfer and commercialisation. “This approval marks an important chapter in Nigeria’s biotechnology development,” Mr Mustapha said.
He added that the policy would promote innovation, attract investment and expand biotechnology’s contribution to national development by translating research outcomes into practical solutions and economic opportunities.
Mr Mustapha said NBRDA would collaborate with relevant government institutions, research organisations, universities, industry and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the revised policy. The agency would focus on translating the policy provisions into technologies, products and services capable of addressing critical national challenges.
Recognition of Leadership and Next Steps
The NBRDA chief commended Mr Tinubu for his commitment to advancing innovation, science and technology in the country. He said the approval demonstrated the administration’s recognition of biotechnology as an important tool for Nigeria’s economic and national development.
Mr Mustapha further commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, for his dedication and sustained support for biotechnology development. He expressed optimism that the revised policy would provide a stronger foundation for Nigeria to harness biotechnology for sustainable development and economic growth.
