The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved Nigeria’s revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026, marking a major policy development aimed at strengthening the country’s use of biotechnology for economic and national development.

The approval was given at the FEC meeting held on Wednesday and presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement issued on Thursday by Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Abuja.

The revised policy replaces the country’s 2001 biotechnology policy, updating the framework after 25 years of major scientific and technological developments, including the emergence of new applications and technologies in the biotechnology sector.

The NBRDA welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s decision, noting that the revised framework establishes direction for biotechnology research, development, application and commercialisation across strategic sectors of the economy.

These areas include agriculture, healthcare, industrial production and environmental sustainability. The policy also provides guidance for emerging fields and technologies such as precision agriculture, climate-smart technologies, advanced manufacturing, gene editing and genomics.

The approval further covers the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership, which formalises the country’s participation in the Global Biotechnology Partnership. The arrangement is expected to improve Nigeria’s access to international collaboration and investment opportunities in biotechnology.

Director General of the NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said the new policy provides the strategic direction required to strengthen biotechnology research while supporting technology transfer, commercialisation and the conversion of innovations into practical solutions and economic opportunities.

“This approval marks an important chapter in Nigeria’s biotechnology development. It provides the policy direction required to promote innovation, technology transfer and commercialisation, attract investment and expand the contribution of biotechnology to national development,” he said.

Mustapha said the NBRDA would continue collaborating with relevant government institutions, research organisations, universities, industry and other partners to ensure effective implementation of the policy.

According to him, the agency’s focus will include translating the provisions of the revised framework into technologies, products and services capable of addressing national challenges.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to promoting innovation, science and technology. He said the approval reflects the Administration’s recognition of biotechnology as an important tool for Nigeria’s development.

The NBRDA Director General also commended the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, for his dedication and sustained support towards advancing biotechnology in Nigeria, the statement said.

Source: leadership.ng