The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, has emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritise homegrown innovation as a pathway to national industrialisation and economic prosperity.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Mustapha stated that Nigeria must move away from dependence on imported technologies and instead harness the transformative potential of biotechnology to solve its developmental challenges.
“To truly industrialise Nigeria, we must cultivate innovation domestically rather than relying on imported solutions. Leveraging biotechnology is pivotal in this endeavour. I firmly believe that fostering homegrown solutions is essential for our nation’s progress”, he wrote.
The NBRDA, under his leadership, is aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of an innovation-driven economy by investing in advanced research and development targeted at key sectors such as agriculture, health, industry, and environmental sustainability.
“By harnessing the power of biotechnology, we can enhance food security, improve healthcare outcomes, and develop resilient infrastructure,” Mustapha said.
He highlighted the agency’s efforts in building capacity through training programs and strategic partnerships with universities, state governments, research institutions, and the private sector to ensure that scientific innovations lead to tangible, real-world solutions.
“Our collaborations are designed to bridge the gap between research and practical application. We are committed to empowering Nigerian researchers to become leaders in biotechnology,” he noted.
The DG further called on stakeholders and citizens to join in supporting local innovation, stressing that Nigeria’s ability to solve its problems lies in the hands of its people and institutions.
“By nurturing local innovations, Nigeria can build the capacity to address its challenges. Join us in promoting homegrown innovation for a prosperous Nigeria,” he urged.
Mustapha’s statement comes amid growing calls for Nigeria to diversify its economy through science, technology, and innovation, and to reduce reliance on foreign technologies that often do not align with local realities.
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