Nigeria’s commercially released GM crops performing well,NBRDA DG assures

The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has called for stronger advocacy, sustainable funding, and inclusive engagement to harness the full potential of agricultural biotechnology in improving livelihoods and strengthening food security across Africa.

Delivering his closing remarks at the 2025 OFAB Africa Annual Review and Planning Meeting (ARPM) in Nairobi, Prof. Mustapha said, “Biotechnology goes beyond innovation; it improves livelihoods, strengthens food security, and empowers farmers, women, and youth. Our focus must be on ensuring these innovations reach those who need them most, from smallholder farmers to young entrepreneurs and women leading change in their communities.”

He commended OFAB Africa for its remarkable progress between 2019 and 2025 in fostering evidence-based advocacy and partnerships that support biotechnology adoption.

A highlight of the Nairobi meeting was the OFAB Africa Media Awards, recognising excellence in biotechnology reporting. Nigeria’s Juliana Agbo of The Nation Newspaper won the Best Print Category Award for her outstanding contribution to raising public understanding of agricultural biotechnology innovations and policies.

The 2025 ARPM concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration, strengthen advocacy, and ensure that biotechnology-driven solutions reach farmers, women, youth, and rural communities across Africa.