The first International Conference on Biotechnology, organized by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), will take place in Nigeria. The conference intends to bring together scientists, academics, policymakers, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs from around the world and will take place in Abuja from July 15–19, 2024. The conference aims to investigate how biotechnology might propel scientific Innovation and economic prosperity in Nigeria, according to Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA. Chief Uche Nnaji, the honourable minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, will serve as the chief host, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the special guest of honour. Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will be the guest of honour.
With the theme “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth,” the conference will go over a number of biotechnology-related topics, including genetic engineering, molecular biology, agriculture, health, and the environment, as well as ethics and intellectual property rights. The conference intends to promote cooperation and spark creative ideas catered to Nigeria’s particular challenges and prospects, with participation from about 100 nations and international institutions. An important organization in Nigeria’s scientific and technological scene is the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
Projects using health biotechnology may focus on developing vaccines.
NBRDA was created to encourage, plan, and oversee biotechnology research and development across the nation. Its main objective is to maximize the use of biotechnology to solve important problems in industry, agriculture, health, and the environment. NBRDA seeks to improve Nigeria’s economic growth, self-sufficiency, and competitiveness in the global biotech market by promoting research and innovation. In order to increase crop yields and food security, the conference intends to promote cooperative research and development projects, notably in agricultural biotechnology. Projects using health biotechnology may focus on developing Vaccines and disease control techniques.
Furthermore, the conference aims to provide frameworks for environmental biotechnology solutions to problems with Waste Management and pollution. Keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions will all be included in the conference. Highlights include “Biotechnology in Agriculture: Innovations for Food Security,” “Health Biotechnology: Emerging Trends in Disease Control,” along with “Environmental Biotechnology: Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future.” Additionally, issues including genetic engineering methods, bioethics, and biotechnology intellectual property rights will be covered in the workshops.
New biotech applications may lead to increased productivity.
Presentations on successful biotech initiatives in Africa and policy frameworks to assist the development of biotech are noteworthy. “This conference is a unique opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate on projects that can have a profound impact on global health and agriculture,” said Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a top biotech researcher from Spain. I’m excited to collaborate with scientists in Nigeria to create answers that are specific to the region.” “Nigeria’s commitment to biotechnology is impressive,” said John Smith, CEO of a biotech company in the United States.
Without a doubt, this meeting will open the door to major funding and partnerships that will benefit the biotech communities locally and beyond.” It is anticipated that the conference’s conclusions will have broad effects. Better farming methods and medical treatments could help the local population. New biotech applications may lead to increased Productivity and innovation across industries. Increased Investment in biotech infrastructure, cooperative research, and exchange of knowledge will benefit the scientific community as a whole. Lawmakers will be able to create well-informed rules that support a robust biotech industry.
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A task force will be formed to supervise the execution of the conference’s main proposals as part of the follow-up arrangements. Researchers from Nigeria and other countries will be able to work together more often thanks to this task force. Follow-up meetings and regular progress reports will guarantee that the conference’s initiatives are actively explored and pursued. To keep momentum and accountability high, a thorough report outlining the conference’s conclusions and action plans will also be released and sent to relevant parties.