Agricultural Biotechnology
The activities of the Department are geared towards the use of biotechnology to meet the National Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) targets on agriculture and food security, wealth creation and poverty reduction of the country. This is in alignment with Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) targeted on Agriculture and food Security drawn from MDGs, SDGs, Agenda 2063, CAADP etc.
OUR MISSION
To undertake research, development and innovation, promotion and deployment of appropriate biotechnologies for increased productivity and value chain development to enhance sustainable agriculture and food security.
OUR VISION
To become a centre of excellence in research and development, promotion, policy implementation and service delivery in agricultural biotechnology.
Agricultural Bioresources
OUR AREAS of FOCUS
Acquisition and domestication of innovative and emerging biotechnologies for sustainable agriculture based on established ethical/biosafety protocols
Development & provision of genetic modification approach for increased efficiency of high-quality food & animal production
Improvement and development of higher-yielding crop varieties that are resistant/ tolerant to prevailing abiotic (drought, flooding, salinity etc.) & biotic (e.g. pest & diseases) stresses, biofortification and value chain development aimed at linking farmers with emerging technologies & markets
Education, public awareness & sensitization on genetically improved crops varieties developed and made available for sustainable food production.
The Divisions
Animal Biotechnology
The Research Activities are geared towards the development of sustainable aquaculture and livestock industries. These include Catfish and Tilapia reproduction technologies, Feed production technology, sourcing of local materials
Plant Biotechnology
The Division is saddled with the responsibility of research, development and building capacity on crop improvement, production, protection, post harvest and storage of plant products in addition to tissue culture activities
Director Agricultural Biotechnology Department
Rose Suniso Maxwell Gidado, PhD
Rose started her public service carrier at the Sheda Science and technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja as a Research Assistant in the Advanced Biotechnology laboratory in the year 2001. In 2002, she got transferred to National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).
She is currently a Deputy Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department at NABDA under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja and the Country Coordinator, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, where she is actively involved in outreach to increase public understanding of biotechnology and Biosafety locally and internationally on issues like policies, regulations, communication, business, ethics, religion, and education.
She has a doctorate degree (PhD) in Industrial Microbiology.
Her Ph.D research focused on the development of indigenous ethanol tolerant yeast, for the industrial production of Bioethanol but presently involved in a research work on Herbicide Tolerant (Round-up- Ready) Soybeans in collaboration with the Michigan State University as an Assistant lead Scientist.
The aim of the project is to screen and backcross the HT genes into Nigerian leading commercial varieties of soybeans to reduce the drudgery of soybeans cultivation faced by farmers in Nigeria. This will promote the use of Soy in the country. My Food Science and technology background gives me the ability to lead in the food and feed safety assessment component of the project.
Rose has also published extensively, authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited various chapters in books, books, papers in journals, policy briefs, Newsletters, and scientific articles in reputable journals at the National and International levels. Some highlights of the repertoire of her publications include:
“2009 & 2010 Reports of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), ISBN 978-923-467-7”;
“2011 Reports of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB),ISBN: 978-978-931-851-3”;
Contributor: “Biofuels Training Manual Publication of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)”; Biotechnology in Africa, Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.;
“Sustainable Utilization of Energy for Wealth Creation and Development: The Nigerian Scenario” (ISBN 978-81-837) and, “The Isolation and Characterization of Ethanol Tolerant Yeast for Industrial Production of Bioethanol”, PhD. Thesis.
Rose was also involved in the review of Draft Nigerian National Biosafety Regulations, National Biosafety Containment Guidelines, National Biosafety Communication Strategy, and the last edition of the Nigeria Biosafety Guidelines
- Award in appreciationof dedicated service to the OFAB Nigeria Planning Committee from OFAB Africa (2009-2012).
- Award of Excellencefrom Biotechnology Students Society of Nigeria in recognition of role-played in Awareness creation.
- Award of Excellenceon the Role-played by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa in the Passage and Assent of the Biosafety Bill and the Establishment of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
- Director- General’s Merit Award, 2016 to Dr. Rose Suniso Maxwell Gidado
- Achievers Award of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) 2017.
- Nigerian Agricultural Award (NAA) Excellence Award, 2020.
- African Women in Agricultural Research and Development AWARD Mentor 2010-2012.
- Nigerian Agricultural Award (NAA), Achiever of the Year (2020)
- Champions Award by the National Biosafety Management Agency (2016)
- Director General’s Merit Award 2016
- Achievers Award of the Biotechnology Society of N African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Award in recognition of dedication and commitment to excellence in mentoring (2011-2012).
- Award of Excellence (July 2015) in recognition of your immense contribution towards the passage of the national Biosafety Bill in Nigeria.
- Achievers Award of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) 2017.
- Nigerian Agricultural Award (NAA) Excellence Award, 2020.
- Leadership Recognition Award for Outstanding Service, Established Record of Administrative Efficiency, Innovative Program, Humanitarian Service, Quality and Focused Leadership by the Arewa Youth Peace Initiative (AYPI) on the 16th of May 2022.
- Achievers Award at the First Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) National Symposium, Abuja Nigeria 2021.
- Leadership Award of Excellence in Nation Building and Food Security using modern Biotechnology Tools in Agriculture, Green Land News and Magazine Annual Lecture and Award, 30th October 2021
Units Under the Plant Biotecnology
Plant Tissue Culture & Transformation
This Unit is Responsible for the Research on Clonal Multiplication, Plant Transformation and Production of Planting Materials Using Tissue Culture Techniques as well as Acquisition of Emerging Plan Technologies.
Plant Breeding and Genetic Unit
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Projects in the Unit
Projects in the Unit
Units Under the Animal Biotecnology
Aquaculture Unit
The main objective of the Unit is to improve on the various species of fish domiciled in our freshwater environment both genetically and artificialy. The activies of the unit is majorly centred on clarias gariepinus ( Catfish) and Tilapia species of from inception
Livestock Unit
The Unit has a Mandate to carry out the following activities: Semen Collection, evaluation and crypreservation, Animal breeding and genetics, Animal Nutrition, data collection anaysis
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Benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology
Increased Crop Yields
By making crops resistant to pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions, biotech helps farmers achieve more consistent and higher production.
Reduced Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers
GM crops can naturally resist pests and improve nutrient use efficiency, reducing chemical inputs and their environmental impact.
Enhanced Nutritional Value
Biofortification techniques can increase the levels of vitamins and minerals in staple crops, such as Golden Rice enriched with Vitamin A.
Environmental Sustainability
Biotech crops can be designed to require less water, resist drought, and grow in degraded soils, helping adapt agriculture to climate change.
About Us
Future of Agricultural Biotechnology
The future lies in more precise and sustainable applications, such as gene editing, climate-resilient crops, and synthetic biology. As the global population grows and climate change intensifies, agricultural biotechnology is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring food security and environmental resilience.
Welcome to the World of Agricultural Biotechnology
Get Involved
Agricultural biotechnology holds immense promise for transforming global agriculture. While it comes with challenges and ethical considerations, its potential to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve food quality makes it a key tool in modern and future farming systems. Careful regulation, transparent communication, and continued research are essential to ensure it benefits both people and the planet.