Nigeria: The emerging African Biotech powerhouse

Over the years, farming in Africa and Nigeria in particular have become not only unattractive but discouraging as a result of low yield, that has been identified as a critical challenge to the continent’s quest to feed its teeming and ever-growingpopulation.

Almost all crops planted on the continent are producing abysmally when compared to crops on other continents and this scientists have attributed to diseases, pest attacks, climatic conditions like drought and the absence of technologies.

These challenges have made planting of maize less attractive despite being one of the highest consumed staple in families across the continent.

Scientists in Nigeria while acknowledging these challenges, sought for a lasting solution, knowing that maize forms an integral part of the agriculture economy, especially in the area of feed production.

On June 11, 2024 the country officially launched four hybrid maize varieties under the TELA Maize Project, making it the third in a roll of genetically modified crops to be launched in the country.

Recall that Nigeria had previously launched the Bt Cotton, which it is looking to use in reviving the country’s once thriving but currently ailing textile industry and subsequently, the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea, a GM version of the commonly consumed beans variety across West Africa.

Nigeria is one country that has taken unusual lead in the comity of African nations that have taken bold steps towards using modern agricultural biotechnology to solve their food security challenges.

The country’s government has shown unrivalled political commitment that has paved the way for the creation of institutional supports for the safe introduction, adoption and release of genetically modified versions of key crops.

Although the release of these crops have generated opposing voices, the country’s authorities have been resolute in ensuring that the right environment is provided for the safe adoption of the technology in the country amid growing concern over high cost of food due to pressure from the burgeoning population.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during the launch of the transgenic maize variety clarified some of the concerns of Nigerians regarding the technolog.

Abdullahi expressed absolute knowledge of the process and event that led to the introduction of the GM crops in Nigeria in his speech delivered on the day.

“The introduction of modern agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria is not unfounded, as it was spearheaded by Nigerian scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.”

“The scientists behind the researches and development of the TELA Maize and similar crops in Nigeria deserves to be celebrated,” adding also that “TELA Maize is an answer to the questions about the relevance of research institutions in the country and Africa”, he said.

At the policy making level, Abdullahi said, “It was a big challenge dealing with the narrative that TELA Maize, like other similarly developed crops are harmful.”

“The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) have been primed to work together to ensure that there is nothing untoward in the application of modern agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria.”

Through this feat, Nigeria has demonstrated that Africa is not lacking in capabilities when it comes to application of science to solving some of the continent’s common problems.

In his remarks at the launching, the Chairman of African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Board of Trustees, Professor Aggrey Ambali, said, “The commercial release of TELA Maize in Nigeria is a beacon of hope and a model of excellence for other African countries.”

According to Ambali, it demonstrates a strong commitment towards adopting science-based solutions that drive agricultural growth and sustainability.

While urging other African countries “to look to Nigeria’s example and consider the benefits that biotechnology can bring to their agricultural sectors,” he said, “by embracing innovative technologies, Africa can collectively work towards a food-secure continent, where our farmers are empowered, economies are strengthened, and the people are well-
nourished.”

Also, the Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Canisius Kanangire while commending the Nigerian government for their support in the project, said under the TELA Maize Project, the Federal Government facilitated the operational environment for key Ministries and departments to work together and collaborate towards attainment of their mandates.

He said they witnessed government bodies working with institutions such as AATF and the private sector for the good of the country.

“This launch also highlights the importance of technology and innovation in our development agendas. The use of biotechnology in agriculture holds great potential towards making a difference in our communities.

“By promoting policies that support agricultural innovation, the Federal Government of Nigeria helped create an enabling environment for the development and use of genetically modified crops that are safe, productive, and beneficial to smallholder farmers and the environment”, he said.

Dr Kanangire said with their resistance to pests and tolerance to drought, TELA Maize varieties will boost maize yields, providing more food and income for farmers in Nigeria.

The President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Arc Kabir Ibrahim while lamenting that farmers are losing a lot of maize in the farm due to pest attack and drought, said TELA maize presents hope for Nigerian farmers.

“I understand that the maize has 3 in 1 advantage and we cherish that, farmers have been losing a lot of money fighting insects like stem borers, fall armyworm and drought.

“Maize is very unique in our food system because both livestock and humans consume maize. The quantity of maize we have in Nigeria is not enough. There is no better time than now for us to optimize production of maize because we need food security in Nigeria.

“I challenge the farmers to embrace Tela maize, it is safe for consumption, plant them so that the world will be food secured”, Ibrahim noted.

The TELA Maize Project commenced in Nigeria in 2019. The project has recorded huge success since it’s inception.