…Agency set to save over N268 billion spent annually on chemicals import into Nigeria
By Dele Ogbodo
It was glaring that the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA) took the centre stage at the just concluded Science Technology and Innovation (STI) tagged: Expo 2024.
The exposition, which has become an annual exhibition of innovations and research results by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has as its theme, STI: Solution to National Economic Challenges, presents windows of opportunities for MDAs, Research Institutions, Tertiary institutions, Developers, Inventors to showcase its research results to the Nigerians, foreigners, investors international collaborators and sponsors of inventions for national development.
Four (4) agencies of the Ministry which include the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science Technology (NILEST), the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), The National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NACRIT) and the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABRDA) were billed to showcase evidences of their research outcomes and results to investors and Nigerians who trooped in their hundreds to see what the annual expo has to offer and what the research agencies have been doing over the years.
The overwhelming hits/visits to NABRDA’s stand was indeed thrilling and not unexpected perhaps largely due to the rising cost of food items (inflation) which has put the country in a scary and alarming grip of hunger.
NABRDA’s stand therefore became a place to visit as the agency displays innovative solutions on food insecurity, health and medical care and others with potential to revolutionalise industries and to drive economic growth.
Food insecurity has become a burning national debate in Nigeria even as the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and CBN is ramping every effort aimed to overcome the challenge of food and nutrition security.
Amid the thrilling and exciting atmosphere at the fair witnessed the display of research outputs and results by over 15 MDAs.
In an unusual move, NABRDA came with a disrupting agenda upping the ante with a well cooked and nourished meals from its biotech crops. This indeed was departure from the past years validating the robust research results that the agency has been doing these years.
The agency became the cynosure of all when it displayed the Tela Maize and BPR Cowpea, two of its research outputs developed through a collaborative efforts with the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF) and the Institute for Agriculture Research, Zaria in Kaduna State.
The research outcomes were successful developed after approval from the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to meet the overarching need of Nigeria’s current challenge of food insecurity and the deficit of nutritional components in its food supply chain.
The climax of the expo was therefore in tandem with the popular aphorism: That the taste of the pudding is in the eating and it was indeed an occasion of ‘eating is believing’ and eating to believe, that GM crops developed by Nigerian scientists has come to stay.
This was an experience Nigerians who came from different walks of life will never forget in a hurry.
Immediately after meal of bean cake aka moimoi were prepared from the Cowpea, the surging crowd of participants desirous of eating the meal became difficult to control.
The aroma from the mouthwatering and irresistible meals prepared from the PBR Cowpea/bean was indeed the crystallization of a research out that has come at the nick of time.
Nigerians who relished the nutritional value of these delicacies attested that NABRDA is on the march to meeting Nigeria’s food security challenge.
The rush for NABRDA meals no doubt finds expression in the current mood of hunger across the land.
Participants who spoke under anonymity with our reporter, while commending NABRDA, said the Tela Maiza and BPR Cowpea breakthrough is one window of opportunity that the government should further exploit to feed the people.
They averred that with a lot happening in the research driven agency, using and applying biotechnology tools of Genetically Modified Biotech crops (GMOs) is a pointer that a silent revolution has started and the dawn of food security in Nigeria leading the pace in the Africa continent.
Meanwhile, Genome Editing, another biotechnology revolution championed by AUDA-NEPAD, NABRDA and other reputable research is in the pipeline all geared towards freeing Africa from food importation and food insecurity.
Even though the eating is believing mantra has been demonstrated in Abuja, Lagos and other cities, today, Wednesday 13, March will go down memory lane as the berthing of a new dawn in Nigeria’s food security nexus.
While addressing a cross section of stakeholders at the podium, the Director General/CEO of NARBDA, Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi, explained how researches from the agency can be deployed to address Nigeria’s national economic challenges and to drive national development.
He said biotechnology has become one of the crucial priorities in Nigeria and other developing countries that can be used, admitting however, that biotechnology is a relatively new set of technologies.
According to him, the application of biotechnology in Nigeria, includes harnessing biological processes, organisms or systems to develop innovative products and solutions, adding that it spans healthcare, agriculture, environment and industry.
Biotechnology innovations, he said have the potentials to revolutionize industries and drive economic growth.
On providing solution to economic challenges, he said countries encounters a range of economic challenges such as food security, healthcare costs, environmental degradation and industrial competitiveness.
These challenges, according to him, demand innovative solutions to foster economic growth and improve societal well-being.
He added that biotechnological enhances agricultural productivity and resilience even as he said that genetically modified crops for increased yields, pest resistance and drought resistance.
The DG, explained that biotechnology driven agricultural solutions contribute to food security, farmer livelihoods and economic development.
On the economic benefit, the DG, stressed that beyond the reduced reliance on chemicals, the economic implications, adding this innovation will counteract the annual fall armyworm-induced losses exceeding $268 million. This, he said will also save Nigeria a significant foreign exchange in the importation of maize of over 400,000 metric tons and $15.2 million annually.
From estimation, Abdullahi, said over N268 billion is spent annually in the purchase of chemicals insecticides used to spray maize in the country.
In an earlier, the Director in charge of Agriculture in the agency, Dr. Rose Gidado, pointed out with excitement that biotechnology is the way to go as it remains a veritable game changer in the economies of developed nations.
According to her, biotechnology has revolutionized our world in countless ways, from advancements in medicine and agriculture to environmental sustainability and industrial processes. Today, we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements and potential of biotechnology in shaping our future, she reiterated.
She said: “Throughout this expo, we will delve into the fascinating world of this cutting edge technology, exploring its diverse applications and the profound impact it has on our lives. From cutting-edge research to innovative technologies, we will showcase the latest developments and breakthroughs in the field.
“As we embark on this journey of discovery, let us not forget the crucial role of STI in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our society today.
“Whether it’s combating disease, feeding a growing population, or protecting our environment, biotechnology offers powerful solutions that have the potential to transform our world for the better.”
While expressing her gratitude to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and its sponsors who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible on a yearly basis, Gidado, added: “Your dedication and commitment to advancing STI are truly commendable, and I am confident that together, we will inspire new ideas, foster collaboration, and drive progress in this exciting field.
“Without further ado, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the rich tapestry of biotechnology, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and seize the countless opportunities that lie ahead.
“Together, let us harness the power of biotechnology to create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.”