The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has called on researchers, farmers, food processors, government institutions, industry and development partners to embrace innovation and collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges.
He made the call in a statement by the Agency’s Press Secretary Toyin Omozuwa on the commemoration of World Food Day 2026 with the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
Prof. Mustapha emphasised that food is fundamental to human survival, public health, economic productivity and national development.
“Climate change, crop pests and diseases, post-harvest losses, rising production costs, inadequate storage and processing facilities, and limited access to nutritious diets are challenges requiring sustained attention,” he said.
According to him, Increasing food production remains important, but the challenge is beyond producing more. He also said that improving the quality and safety of food, reduce losses between the farm and the consumer, preserve the nutritional value of what we eat and ensure that food is handled and processed appropriately is the right way .
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The Director General highlighted the role of biotechnology and innovation in addressing these challenges, noting that NBRDA promotes and conducts focused research and development in biotechnology to support agricultural productivity, food production and the development of useful products from biological resources.
He cited the Agency’s work in agricultural biotechnology, including tissue culture and research on biotechnology-derived crops, as part of its contribution to efforts to improve agricultural productivity.
He further highlighted the work of the Agency’s Food and Industrial Biotechnology Department in exploring improved food processing methods, preservation, value addition and the productive use of biological resources.
Prof. Mustapha stressed the importance of connecting scientific research to the needs of farmers, food processors, entrepreneurs and consumers, noting that improved technologies and processing methods can help reduce food losses, preserve food quality and create opportunities for developing useful products from research.
The Director General urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for reducing avoidable food waste, making informed food choices and supporting responsible food production and handling practices.
“Let us innovate today, so that Nigeria can nourish tomorrow,” he said.
As part of its World Food Day 2026 commemoration, NBRDA organised activities to promote food safety, nutrition and responsible food handling.
These included school sensitisation programmes on food safety, nutrition and healthy eating; visits to abattoirs to engage stakeholders on hygiene, meat handling and waste management; and discussions on food innovation, processing, preservation, safety, nutrition, food loss and waste.
