NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOTECHNOLOGY

A Policy provides guidelines for advancing biotechnology in agriculture, health, and industry while managing risks. It targets research institutions, biotech firms, and farmers to ensure safe innovation. This aims to enhance food production and healthcare for Nigerians.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's policy framework for the development, application, and regulation of biotechnology across agriculture, health, environment, and industry, ensuring responsible innovation while managing biosafety risks.

Who Does It Target?

Research institutions and universities in biotechnology Biotechnology companies and investors The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Farmers and communities affected by GM crops

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Harness biotechnology for Nigeria's development in food production, healthcare, and industrial applications while ensuring biosafety, environmental protection, and public acceptance.

Key Features

Agricultural Biotechnology: Supports development and deployment of genetically modified crops where scientifically validated and safe. Health Biotechnology: Promotes development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics using biotechnology. Biosafety Regulation: Ensures all biotechnology applications are subject to rigorous biosafety assessment by NBMA. Capacity Building: Invests in biotechnology research infrastructure and human resources.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide biotechnology sector Beneficiaries: Farmers; patients; industrial users; researchers Funding: Federal Government; international research partnerships

How to Access

Biotechnology research must comply with biosafety regulations GM crop commercialisation requires NBMA approval after scientific assessment Research partnerships with international institutions welcome through NABDA Application method: Engage the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nabda.gov.ng Contact: National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA)

Legal Framework

Operates under the National Biosafety Management Act 2015, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (ratified by Nigeria), the Convention on Biological Diversity, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007, and the Science and Technology Act.