By Dele Ogbodo/Victoria Onyisi
The Director General/CEO, National Biotechnology Research Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, has expressed Federal Government’s willingness to partner the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) to drive food and nutritious security across the country.
Recall that the recent hike in food inflation in the country has caused hunger which has raised terrible questions and concerns among stakeholders and policy makers for a new push and approach to overcome the challenges.
The Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, in recent meeting with a section of the Nigerian media expressed fear that the challenges of food and nutrition in Nigeria has grown, acknowledging that climate change has wiped out entire harvests as according to him, the rising cost of food prices and falling incomes in the country and around the world has made it difficult for families to afford food.
In a meeting at the Headquarters of NBRDA, Abuja, the DG while welcoming the visitors, said he was excited to host the representatives from BMGF and AATF.
While charting the overarching pathway to food security, the discussions highlighted the shared commitment of the three organisations to harnessing biotechnology for sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
The other key concerns thrashed out on the table included collaborative efforts to improve crop resilience, enhance nutrition, and reduce post-harvest losses through innovative biotechnological solutions.
Agricultural Officer with the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa, Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Abraham Isa, in a media outlet, said: “This visit marks a significant step towards reinforcing partnerships that will drive Nigeria’s agricultural sector forward, ensuring that our nation can meet the growing demands of its population while safeguarding food security for future generations.
“NBRDA remains committed to working closely with BMGF, AATF, and other stakeholders to realize a food-secure Nigeria through the power of biotechnology.”
#FoodSecurity
#NigeriaNeedsGMO #Biotechnology #Partnerships #NABDA #BMGF #AATF #Agriculture #Sustainability