Nigeria Set to Host International Conference on Biotechnology

The Director-General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has stated that Nigeria is gearing up to host an international conference on biotechnology aimed at bolstering the country’s standing in the global biotechnology arena.

The landmark event, which is scheduled for June, aims to serve as a platform for nations worldwide to showcase their advancements in biotechnology.

Prof. Mustapha emphasized NABDA’s commitment to introducing innovative initiatives for the betterment of Nigeria, underscoring the significance of this conference in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

“This international conference will be a melting pot of ideas, where industries, private organizations, universities, and other stakeholders can spotlight their contributions,” Prof. Mustapha remarked.

He outlined the conference’s thematic focus, spanning key areas such as environment, industry, agriculture, genomics, bioinformatics, and health.

Acknowledging the rapid evolution of biotechnology on the global stage, Prof. Mustapha highlighted Nigeria’s potential to rival advanced nations in this field, citing the country’s pool of talented scientists and experts.

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To this end, NABDA has initiated a comprehensive review of the National Policy on Biotechnology, aiming to align Nigeria’s biotechnological capabilities with international standards and projections for the next two decades.

As an integral stride towards charting the course of biotechnology’s future in Nigeria, Mustapha took a decisive step on February 20th by inaugurating the secretariat for the National Biotechnology Policy Review Committee.

With the existing policy framework dating back to 2000, the establishment of the secretariat signals a proactive approach to adapting to contemporary challenges and opportunities in biotechnology.

The secretariat’s mandate encompasses driving the implementation of the national biotechnology policy review framework, fostering synergy among stakeholders, and enhancing communication channels to ensure a cohesive and dynamic approach to biotechnological advancement in Nigeria.