The Nigerian government has called on experts in the field of technology to harness the innovative power of biotechnology to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
The vice president, Kashim Shettima, made this call while speaking at the five-day International Conference on Biotechnology (ICoB24) hosted by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) on Monday, July 15, in Abuja.
At the event themed, “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth”, Mr Shettima represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Aliyu Umar, said through hard work and commitment, biotechnology would revolutionise Nigeria’s economic growth.
Biotechnology is a technology that utilises biological systems, living organisms or parts of this to develop or create different products. Brewing and baking bread are examples of processes that fall within the concept of biotechnology which entails the use of yeast – a living organism – to produce a desired product.
Speaking further, the vice president called for the nurturing and encouragement of the younger generation to become professionals just as the last generation of leaders did.
In his address, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said he is convinced that food insecurity would become history in Nigeria with the deployment of biotechnology for improved crop yields.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order No. 5, Olayiwola Agoro, the minister said, that with an emerging supportive system, Nigeria would soon experience economic growth.
His words, “We have patriotic and innovative biotechnologists, who can ensure that more goods and services are produced and made available in our economy, contributing to the economic diversification agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration.”
Biotech in agriculture, health among other sectors
Also, the Director General of the NBRDA and the conference convener, Abdullahi Mustapha, noted that with biotechnology in its various forms, revolutionalised industries across the globe are offering innovative solutions to some of the pressing challenges facing humanity.
“From agriculture to healthcare, environmental management to industrial processes, biotechnology holds the key to unlocking sustainable development and economic prosperity.
“Nigeria, with its rich biodiversity, dynamic population, and growing technological capabilities, is uniquely positioned to leverage biotechnology for transformative growth,” Mr Mustapha said.
