NBRDA DG Reaffirms Science, Technology and Innovation as Key to Food Systems Transformation

The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging science, technology and innovation to transform Nigeria’s food systems.

He stated this while delivering the address of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, at the opening session of the National Convergence on Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

Held under the theme, “National Dialogue on Nigeria’s Convergence Initiative Aligning Food Systems and Climate Action,” the two-day convergence was organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the United Nations in Nigeria and the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub.

It brought together policymakers, development partners, researchers, academia, civil society organisations, the private sector, farmer groups, women and youth groups to discuss strategies for building sustainable, resilient and nutrition sensitive food systems in Nigeria.

Prof. Mustapha noted that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is deploying science driven solutions to support agricultural transformation and climate resilience through its research agencies.

He explained that NBRDA is advancing tissue culture and other biotechnology innovations to improve seed quality, enhance crop yields and strengthen resilience against pests and diseases. He added that the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is deploying satellite and geospatial technologies to support precision agriculture and climate monitoring, while the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) is promoting the production of biofertilizers from locally available organic materials to improve soil health and reduce dependence on imported agricultural inputs.

Speaking further, Prof. Mustapha highlighted the Ministry’s Energize Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative, describing it as a major programme designed to accelerate the commercialisation of research outputs and transform scientific discoveries into products, industries, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods.

He stressed that sustained collaboration among government, research institutions, development partners and the private sector will be essential to building sustainable, resilient and nutrition sensitive food systems that support Nigeria’s long term socioeconomic development.