NABDA initiatives to improve Nigeria’s food security

The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) is leading initiatives to increase crop yields, boost agricultural production, and guarantee the country’s food security.

It seeks to accomplish this through creative thinking and state-of-the-art biotechnology solutions.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the agency’s director general and CEO, stated, “Under my leadership, NABDA has been at the forefront of boosting food security in Nigeria.”

According to him, the Agency develops programs and policies for the use, research, and development of biotechnology in Nigeria as well as conducts targeted biotechnology research and development in priority areas such as agriculture, health, industry, and the environment.

“The dedication of NABDA to utilizing biotechnology solutions for sustainable national development is paying off, especially at the local level where there is an increasing understanding of the potential of biotechnology to boost livelihoods and increase food security.

As a result, NABDA has taken the lead in utilizing biotechnology to raise Nigerians’ standard of living and lessen socioeconomic barriers to growth.

The Director General/CEO of NABDA reiterates his steadfast commitment to enhancing food security in Nigeria through agricultural biotechnology in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent proclamation of a state of emergency regarding food security in Nigeria.

As an organization, we wholeheartedly support President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a food security emergency. NABDA is committed to transforming Nigerian agriculture and ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply by utilizing biotechnology. To address these issues head-on, we are already working with farmers, researchers, and stakeholders, according to Prof. Mustapha.

According to him, the commercialization of two genetically modified crops, Bt Cotton and Bt Cowpea, by NABDA and its international and national partners is already propelling Nigeria’s economic progress.

He declared, “The world’s first genetically modified Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, the transgenic cowpea from Nigeria, is revolutionizing the country’s food production.”

The improved variety of Bt. cowpea, for example, has been planted and harvested by farmers who have attested to higher yields, reduced pests, cost efficiency from almost zero usage of pesticides, and greater livelihood, he said.

“There are numerous other transgenic crops that are being developed for commercialization, such as HT soybean and TELA maize,” he continued.