Biotechnology, Nigeria’s asset for national security — NBRDA DG
The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has described biotechnology as one of Nigeria’s most valuable assets for safeguarding national security and driving sustainable development.
Speaking on the expanding role of biotechnology, Prof. Mustapha noted that national security is no longer defined solely by military capacity but also by the nation’s ability to protect itself from food insecurity, health emergencies, industrial vulnerabilities, and environmental threats.
When food systems are unstable, nations become vulnerable to unrest. By investing in resilient crops, sustainable farming practices, and innovative biotechnological solutions, we are proactively preventing crises and strengthening national stability, he stated.
The DG explained that NBRDA is applying biotechnology across three critical fronts:
- Food Security: Developing improved crop varieties that are resilient, nutritious, and productive to strengthen farmer capacity and ensure safe food supplies.
- Health Security: Enhancing local capacity for vaccines, therapeutics, and rapid diagnostics to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for pandemics and emerging health crises.
- Industrial Security: Advancing renewable energy and waste-to-value technologies to strengthen the bio-economy, boost energy security, create jobs, and reduce economic vulnerabilities.
Biotechnology is a vital force shaping Nigeria’s resilience. From our farms to our hospitals, our industries to our environment, it strengthens every sector with innovation and foresight. As global challenges intensify, it is imperative that we harness its full potential to secure our nation’s future,” Mustapha said.
The NBRDA reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and partnerships that would position Nigeria as a continental leader in biotechnology. According to the DG, embracing biotechnology is not only a pathway to development but also a pillar of Nigeria’s resilience and security strategy.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Biotechnology is no longer a future option — it is a present necessity for Nigeria’s food and economic resilience. The NBRDA’s positioning of biotechnology as a national security tool is both timely and strategic. Key stakeholder insights include:
- Food Systems Stability as Security
Nigeria’s reliance on imports for seeds, fertilizers, and food exposes the nation to vulnerabilities. Investing in biotech-driven seed systems (drought-tolerant maize, pest-resistant cowpea, bio-fortified cassava) directly contributes to food stability and reduces the risk of social unrest linked to food shortages. - Reducing Import Dependency
Local vaccine and therapeutic development capacity is crucial. Lessons from COVID-19 showed how import dependency delayed access to life-saving tools. Biotechnology offers a pathway to domestic solutions, insulating Nigeria from external supply shocks. - Driving the Bioeconomy
Waste-to-value technologies and renewable energy solutions can help Nigeria address its energy crisis while creating green jobs. These innovations support climate goals while unlocking economic opportunities for youth and agribusinesses. - Strategic Policy Alignment Needed
To maximize impact, biotechnology adoption must be matched with policy reforms on biosafety regulation, R&D investment, and stronger private sector participation. Without enabling frameworks, innovations may not reach scale. - Positioning Nigeria as a Continental Leader
If effectively implemented, NBRDA’s initiatives could make Nigeria a regional hub for biotechnology, influencing Africa’s agricultural transformation, bio-health resilience, and green industrial growth.
Conclusion
Biotechnology is more than a science — it is a strategic lever for national resilience. For agribusiness stakeholders, this represents opportunities in seed development, bio-processing, renewable energy, and agritech partnerships. Nigeria’s ability to harness biotechnology at scale will determine its competitiveness and security in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
