NIGERIA – Policymakers and regulators are banking on genome editing (GEd) potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape as the country continues to grapple with food security challenges.
The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation (CoE-STI) under the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), recently held a training workshop on genome editing (GEd).
There is a growing need for policymakers and regulators to be well-informed and equipped to handle the complexities associated with this technology. The workshop aimed to reduce technophobia, which often hinders the acceptance of new scientific advancements.
“Previously, we engaged extensively with various stakeholders to promote the adoption of genome editing as a powerful tool to enhance agricultural productivity and achieve food security,” emphasized Dr. Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, Director of the Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics Department at NBRDA.
“We are focusing on executive and legislative policymakers and regulators, whose understanding, support, and advocacy are essential for mobilizing political, legislative, and financial resources.”
Dr. Ajenifujah-Solebo highlighted that genome editing, when fully adopted, could address some of Nigeria’s most pressing agricultural challenges, including low crop yields and susceptibility to pests and diseases. With proper legislative backing, genome editing can also help mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture by developing crops that are more resilient to harsh environmental conditions.
Head of the CoE-STI at AUDA-NEPAD, Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, underscored the importance of building trust and confidence among policymakers when introducing innovative technologies like genome editing.
He stressed that informed policymakers are better equipped to make decisions that stand the test of time and benefit the country.
“One critical role of policymakers is to stay informed and continually engage with science. This aligns with ‘The Africa We Want by 2063,’ a strategic framework for socio-economic transformation across the continent,” Akinbo said.
He reiterated that knowledge-based policy decisions grounded in scientific evidence are essential for Nigeria to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, Clerk of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Ukachukwu Chidiebere, emphasized to journalists that science and technology are the foundation of every sector of the economy and society.
“Nigeria needs to invest in the development of science, technology, and innovation (STI). It is the bedrock upon which every other sector operates. Without a strong foundation in STI, our development efforts will falter,” he said.
