Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has commended stakeholders for their efforts in advancing biotechnology. Speaking at the inaugural International Conference on Biotechnology 2024 (ICOB24), a week-long event themed “Biotechnology as an Engine of Economic Growth” in Abuja, Shettima highlighted the potential of biotechnology to drive Nigeria’s development.
“Biotechnology has great potential for the development of our country and it is heartening to see our experts persisting in this field despite the challenges,” Shettima said.
Shettima, who spoke on behalf of the Special Adviser on General Duties, Senator Aliyu Modibo, called for perseverance in promoting biotechnology in Nigeria. “We need to continue to work harder, persevere and be committed because we are close to achieving it but it will require commitment and sacrifice,” he noted.
In his keynote address, Chief Clement Every, a former governor of Cross River State, stressed the importance of reimagining science for national development. “Harnessing scientific knowledge, innovation and technology as drivers of economic growth is essential. To envision and build a prosperous nation, we must bridge the gap between the lab and real life,” Every said.
Significant contribution to Africa’s GDP growth
Ebri, a former chairman of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Authority (NBRDA) Board of Governors, expressed optimism that the conference would come up with a sectoral investment model that would enable biotechnology to contribute significantly to Africa’s GDP growth.
The Minister of State for Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, stressed that biotechnology has the potential to boost Nigeria’s GDP by increasing the total value of goods and services produced. Nnaji noted that FMIST has prioritized building a supportive ecosystem for start-ups, providing them with the necessary mentorship, incubators, accelerators, resources, co-working spaces and networking opportunities.
“These support mechanisms will enable start-ups to grow rapidly, create jobs, introduce new products and services, and stimulate competition in existing industries,” he said.
Represented by his Deputy Director, Agoro Olayiwola, the Minister described biotechnology start-ups as a notable source of revenue.“With a supportive start-up ecosystem, Nigeria is poised to achieve higher economic growth through licensing agreements, patents and commercialisation of start-ups’ products and technologies,” Olayiwola added.
Experts attract investors, and with the high level of expertise developed in the core biotechnology field, it should not be difficult to attract long-term investors, both local and foreign. “Investors are very important because they stimulate efficient production and innovation,” Olayiwola said.
Improved crop yields
He expressed confidence that biotechnology can address food insecurity in Nigeria through improved crop yields, drought-resistant crops and improved farming practices, but noted that attracting investors was essential.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Director of NBRDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, said ICOB24 was a testament to the concerted efforts to explore and harness the immense potential of biotechnology as an engine of economic growth in Nigeria.
“Biotechnology has revolutionized industries around the world and provided innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges currently facing humanity. From agriculture to medicine, environmental management to industrial processes, biotechnology holds the key to achieving sustainable development and economic prosperity,” he said.
Mustapha stressed that Nigeria, with its rich biodiversity, vibrant population and growing technological capabilities, is uniquely positioned to harness biotechnology for transformative growth. “The theme of the conference highlights the critical role that science and technology will play in shaping our future,” he said.
Making a difference
In her opening remarks, Dr. Rose Gidado, chairperson of the local organizing committee for the conference, explained that the conference was designed to advance knowledge and foster collaboration on biotechnology for the advancement of humanity. Gidado, director of NBRDA’s Agricultural Biotechnology Division, said the conference aims to be a forum for Africa’s leading innovators, inspire the next generation and serve as a hub for policy dialogue at the intersection of scientific inquiry and social progress.
Gidado expressed optimism that the discussions at the conference would spark change and contribute to creating a future in which biotechnology innovations drive green and inclusive economic growth. “Let us strive to foster innovation through dialogue and the triumph of intelligence over ignorance,” she said.
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Nkechi Isaac is a Fellow and Training Team Leader at Alliance for Science.
