Nigeria approves revised National Biotechnology Policy for 2026

Nigeria's Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval to a revised National Biotechnology Policy set to guide the nation's advancements in the field through 2026. The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) welcomed the decision, emphasizing its potential to harness biotechnology more effectively for Nigeria's economic and national development.

The revised policy, approved during a FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, updates the nation's original biotechnology policy from 2001, reflecting over two decades of scientific and technological progress. It is designed to bolster biotechnology research, development, application, and commercialization across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, industrial production, and environmental sustainability.

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This approval marks an important chapter in Nigeria’s biotechnology development.

Furthermore, the policy framework provides strategic direction for emerging technologies such as precision agriculture, climate-smart solutions, advanced manufacturing, gene editing, and genomics. The approval also encompasses the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership, formally integrating the country into the Global Biotechnology Partnership. This integration is expected to enhance Nigeria's access to international collaborations, technical expertise, and investment opportunities within the biotechnology sector.

NBRDA Director-General Abdullahi Mustapha highlighted the policy's significance, stating it offers the necessary direction to strengthen research and promote technology transfer and commercialization. He expressed optimism that the revised policy will foster innovation, attract investment, and expand biotechnology's contribution to national development by translating research findings into practical solutions and economic opportunities. The NBRDA plans to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the policy's effective implementation, focusing on addressing critical national challenges through technological advancements.

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This approval demonstrated the his administration’s recognition of biotechnology as an important tool for Nigeria’s economic and national development.