The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has been instrumental in advancing food security in Nigeria, led by Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General. Employing innovative biotechnology solutions, NABDA is taking the lead in endeavors to enhance agricultural productivity, elevate crop yields, and ensure national self-sufficiency in food production.
NABDA, a distinguished biotechnology development agency in Africa, conducts focused research and development in biotechnology across priority sectors such as agriculture, health, industry, and environment, contributing significantly to the nation’s development. The agency is instrumental in forming biotechnology-related policies and programs in Nigeria, emphasizing its utilization and research.
NABDA’s commitment to harnessing biotechnology for sustainable national development is yielding notable outcomes, especially at the grassroots level. Here, the appreciation for biotechnology’s potential to bolster food security and improve livelihoods is on the rise.
As a result, NABDA has emerged as a driving force in employing biotechnology to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians and mitigate barriers to socioeconomic progress.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a food security state of emergency in Nigeria, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director General/CEO of NABDA, reiterates his unwavering dedication to bolstering food security through agricultural biotechnology.
“Aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration, NABDA is resolute in its pursuit of revolutionizing Nigerian agriculture and ensuring a steady and secure food supply through biotechnology. Our collaborations with stakeholders, farmers, and researchers are already in motion to address these challenges,” Prof. Mustapha affirms.
NABDA, in partnership with both national and international entities, is driving Nigeria’s economic growth by commercializing genetically modified crops like Bt Cotton and Bt Cowpea.
Nigeria’s genetically modified Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, the world’s first of its kind, is transforming the nation’s food production landscape. Farmers who have adopted the improved variety of Bt. Cowpeas report enhanced yields, reduced pests, cost efficiency from minimal pesticide usage, and improved livelihoods.
Other genetically modified crops in the pipeline for commercialization encompass TELA maize, HT soybean, and more.
The agency has also revolutionized yam seedling production, accomplishing a significant portion of its seven-million-yam-seedling target. Over two million seedlings have been produced and supplied to farmers.
NABDA actively promotes modern biotechnology practices among farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Through capacity-building initiatives, workshops, and training, NABDA empowers farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively leverage biotechnology tools, resulting in increased crop yields and improved livelihoods.
Moreover, the agency’s endeavors have led to improvements in livestock breeding and management through biotechnology. By capitalizing on biotechnology, NABDA has facilitated the production of healthier and more productive livestock, contributing to higher meat and dairy output in Nigeria.
Furthermore, NABDA is striving to reduce food wastage through enhanced food processing, packaging, and preservation techniques, all made possible by biotechnology.
The agency’s ongoing research, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building programs in biotechnology will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and fostering economic growth in Nigeria. These efforts firmly underscore the agency’s dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for addressing food insecurity.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has successfully positioned NABDA as a leading institution in biotechnology research and development, not only within Nigeria but across the African continent. His initiatives have gained international recognition and solidified Nigeria’s stature as a significant player in the global biotechnology arena.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of sustainable development, Prof. Mustapha’s forward-looking approach to biotechnology stands as a catalyst for growth, progress, and national prosperity.