The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, has approved Nigeria’s revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026.
Announced by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) on Friday in Abuja, the updated framework replaces the 2001 policy to reflect 25 years of technological advancement.
Key Provisions and Focus Areas
Target Sectors: The policy establishes strategic direction for biotechnology research, development, and commercialization across agriculture, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and environmental sustainability.
Emerging Technologies: It introduces frameworks for advanced fields, including gene editing, genomics, precision agriculture, climate-smart technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
Global Collaboration: The approval formalises the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership under the Global Biotechnology Partnership, enhancing the country’s access to international expertise, foreign investment, and cross-border research initiatives.
Implementation Strategy
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, highlighted that the primary focus will be translating research outcomes into commercial products, services, and practical solutions.
To drive execution, NBRDA plans to coordinate with government agencies, higher education institutions, research centers, and private industry partners.
Mustapha commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, noting that the policy provides the necessary regulatory backing to position biotechnology as a core pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development.
