March, 13,2024
Agency report
The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency(NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said researches carried out in the NBRDA, when fully applied, would change the livelihood of Nigerians.
The director general stated this in an interview with newsmen at the 2024 technology and innovation expo at NBRDA’s day on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mustapha, who enumerated the various breakthrough researches carried out by the agency, expressed optimism of tremendous positive economic changes with full applications of these researches.
He said biotechnology could drive and fastrack the economy of Nigeria, adding that every department of the agency contributed researches that were beneficial to the country.
Mustapha cited instances of researches such as genetically modified cowpea (beans) which was available in the country the past two years.
” That is why last year, importation of beans was not heard, instead, others were coming here to buy from us.
” Likewise would it be with the genetically modified maize, Tela maize which was recently released.
“Possibly, in the next two years, we’re going to be supplying our neighbouring countries, for them to expand their economy too, ” he said.
The NBRDA boss stated that though the demand for maize in Nigeria was high, but that Tela maize would fill the scarcity.
He disclosed that in the area of medicine, the agency had developed test kits for covid-19.
He explained that the logic was not for the disease to resurface, but instead, the agency was capable of developing other test kits for testing.
He said what this meant was that the agency possessed indigenous technology that could provide all the necessary gadgets to be used in hospitals in Nigeria.
According to him, it will cost much cheaper, more efficient in the country and would rhyme with the people.
The D-G also talked about vaccine technology which the agency was working on , and hopefully, soon, the NBRDA would develop technology for vaccine.
“We’re hoping that this would transform the medical line in our country, ” he said.
Mustapha mentioned lassa fever drug the agency discovered which was still under clinical trial.
He talked about their indigenous biodigester which could be used to provide electricity especially to rural communities in the country.
” It can be used to provide gas for cooking as well as energy for whatever demand that is necessarily required.
“With these developments and many more that we have in the agency, it means that we have researches that takes into consideration and can transform Nigeria’s economy, ” Mustapha said.
Earlier, the NBRDA D-G made a presentation on, “STI: Solution to National Economic Challenges; the role of biotechnology.”
Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural biotechnology department of the NBRDA, and Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the NBRDA day at the expo, remarked that biotechnology was a game changer.
She said biotechnology offered powerful solutions with potentials of transforming the world for the better.
“It has revolutionalised our world in countless ways, from advancements in medicine and agriculture, to environmental sustainability and industries processes, ” she said.
The director said STI could also be used to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the present society.(MAINSTREAM)
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, D-G NBRDA with some Directors of the agency at the 2024 Techno Expo.