Biotechnology Key to Economic Growth- Vice-President

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, emphasised the importance of biotechnology professionals in driving economic growth through innovation.

The Vice President made this call while declaring open the five-day International Conference on Biotechnology (ICoB24) themed “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth” hosted by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) on Monday in Abuja.

Shettima, represented by Aliyu Umar, his Special Adviser on General Duties, expressed positivity stating that with hard work, biotechnology would revolutionise Nigeria’s economic growth.

The vice president applauded the work of Nigerian experts in the biotechnology sector and called for commitment, perseverance and sacrifice while assuring that with virtues, the country would get to the promised land.

Nnaji, minister of Innovation, represented by Olayiwola Agoro, Deputy Director of the Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order No. 5, said with an emerging supportive system, Nigeria would soon experience economic growth.

“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’s administration,” he said.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the NBRDA and convener, added that biotechnology in its various forms, revolutionised industries across the globe, offering innovative solutions to some of the pressing challenges facing humanity.

“From agriculture to healthcare, environmental management to industrial processes, biotechnology is 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,” Mustapha said.