PERMANENT SECRETARY BACKS NBRDA’S DRIVE TO TURN RESEARCH INTO SOLUTIONS

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, (FMIST), Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, has pledged the Ministry’s support for NBRDA’s efforts to turn biotechnology research into solutions that address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.

Dr. Muhammad gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during a familiarisation visit to NBRDA, where he commended the Agency’s contributions to national development and called for greater engagement between research institutions and industry.

He urged the Agency to identify industry players, understand the challenges they face and use its research to develop solutions that can help them grow and contribute to national development.

While describing biotechnology as a key driver of national development and NBRDA as an important institution for harnessing Nigeria’s rich biological resources, the Permanent Secretary assured the Agency of the Ministry’s continued support.

He also encouraged technical staff to take conference participation seriously, noting that conferences provide opportunities to present research, learn about emerging developments and gain insight into areas where research is needed.

Earlier, the Director General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, showcased the Agency’s research, partnerships and innovations across agriculture, healthcare, food and industrial biotechnology, genomics, environmental sustainability and the bioeconomy.

Among the initiatives presented was NBRDA’s ongoing research to address ginger blight, a fungal disease that has affected Nigeria’s ginger production and export potential. Prof. Mustapha disclosed that the Agency has developed a solution currently undergoing trials, with efforts underway to multiply the intervention for farmers.

Other areas highlighted included the development of biofertilisers and biopesticides, indigenous diagnostic technologies, vaccine research, nutrient rich foods for addressing malnutrition, improved soybean varieties, genomics and bioinformatics, waste to biogas technology and biotechnology applications for livestock improvement.

The visit featured an interactive session with staff and a tour of key NBRDA facilities.