By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, on Tuesday formally unveiled the transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties known as TELA Maize for commercial release and cultivation.
The breakthrough, the Minister said is a boost to Nigeria’s food security, adding that this drive underscored a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards agricultural prosperity and sustainable development.
Briefing the media and stakeholders at the Headquarters of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), in Abuja, he said the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries on January 2024, approved the commercial release and open cultivation of the transgenic insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize variety along with other high-yielding crop varieties at its 33rd meeting at National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He said: “The commercial release of these crop varieties marks a remarkable step to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food sufficiency for our nation.”
According to him, this exemplifies government’s commitment to harnessing the power of biotechnology to address pressing agricultural challenges, enhance crop resilience, and improve the livelihoods of our farmers and citizens.
He said: “It also strengthens our position in the global agricultural landscape, fostering economic stability and opening new avenues for trade and export.”
The groundbreaking achievement, Nnaji, explained would not have been possible without the relentless efforts and support of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), under the visionary leadership of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and his management team.
“Their dedication has been pivotal in advancing our agricultural sector, and I applaud their tireless commitment to boosting food security and agricultural sustainability.” He said.
The benefits of this release according to him, are far-reaching, promising increased crop yields, enhanced resilience to pests and diseases, reduced environmental impact, and improved nutritional content.
I urge all stakeholders, including farmers, extension workers, and private sector partners, to embrace these new crop varieties towards a more prosperous, sustainable, and food-secure future for Nigeria, he added.
According to him, the release is just a glimpse of the transformative potential at our disposal, adding that NABDA, in collaboration with various stakeholders and foreign collaborators, is actively pursuing the release of several other crops, each poised to revolutionise our agricultural productivity and fortify our nation’s food security.
“Let me seize this medium to register our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his well-articulated roadmap for innovation, science, and technological development.
“The President’s salutary commitment to turning innovation into an engine of growth is a source of inspiration to us at the Ministry and in the various parastatals under my auspices.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated and innovative scientists, researchers, experts, institutions and foreign collaborators who have contributed to the development and release of these transgenic crop varieties.
“I thank the media for its sustained partnership with us in forging new paths of national development. I am optimistic that you will approach your duty of disseminating science-related information with a greater sense of responsibility.”
In an opening remark, the DG, NABDA reiterated that the agency will not renegade in its commitment to utilizing biotechnology to tackle the diverse socioeconomic challenges that impede sustainable national development.