By Chinedu Okafor, African News Correspondent
The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in biotechnology as part of efforts to bolster Nigeria’s food security.
The renewed resolve was highlighted on Monday during a courtesy visit by ARCN’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Adamu Dabban, and his management team to NBRDA’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, NBRDA Director General, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, emphasized the pivotal role of biotechnology in addressing Nigeria’s agricultural challenges, including low productivity, climate shocks, and weak value chains. He noted that stronger institutional cooperation would accelerate the development and adoption of safe, sustainable, and farmer-focused innovations.
“Food security challenges demand integrated, science-driven solutions supported by innovation and effective partnerships,” Mustapha said, stressing that enhanced collaboration would help translate scientific breakthroughs into practical tools for farmers and agribusinesses.
Dr. Dabban, in his remarks, underscored the strategic importance of agriculture and biotechnology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security, economic recovery, and inclusive growth. He reaffirmed ARCN’s readiness to partner with NBRDA in joint research, advanced capacity building, and translational initiatives that bridge laboratory innovations with on-farm applications.
Both agencies agreed to sustain regular engagements and joint projects aimed at expanding the frontiers of agricultural biotechnology, fostering innovation, and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to achieve sustainable food security and inclusive economic growth.
The partnership is expected to enhance coordination within Nigeria’s agricultural research ecosystem and support biotechnology-enabled solutions capable of boosting productivity, improving resilience, and advancing long-term national development goals.