More than 5,000 people attended the 8th edition of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Expo, where the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria showcased biotech crops. Governmental, military, private, academic, and public figures were among the participants. OFAB had conversations with 630 people, including the Nigerian Army, students, and other interested parties. They aimed to promote partnerships, draw in investors, highlight research developments, and increase public knowledge of agricultural biotechnology.
During the “Eating is Believing” campaign, biotech crops like Bt cotton, TELA maize, and PBR Cowpea were showcased and sampled, and the results were encouraging. Key government representatives also spoke at the expo, including Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, and President Bola Tinubu (represented by Hon. George Akume). The event’s main focus was on how science, technology, and innovation might help Nigeria overcome its economic problems and forward its industrialisation. The event also featured participation from a number of national research and development organisations.
Food security are immediately addressed by genetically modified crops.
Nigeria’s agricultural environment could be significantly changed by biotechnology crops, as those displayed by OFAB Nigeria at the STI Expo. The nation’s Food Security and economic issues are immediately addressed by genetically modified crops including PBR cowpea, TELA maize, and Bt cotton, which are designed to withstand pests, withstand extreme weather, and increase yields. PBR cowpea, for example, is resistant to the pod borer pest, which kills up to 80% of traditional cowpea crops, which are a staple diet for millions of Nigerians.
PBR cowpea ensures safer, more Sustainable Agricultural methods while also saving farmers money by lowering the demand for toxic pesticides. Nigeria’s Economy has been significantly impacted by biotech crops. Biotech crops have the potential to improve smallholder farmers’ incomes, decrease reliance on food imports, and increase national food Security by boosting yields and decreasing crop losses. Genetically modified crops might boost Agricultural Productivity by 20% in the upcoming years, bringing Nigeria one step closer to food production self-sufficiency, according to the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).
TELA maize is being produced to withstand drought and harmful pests.
OFAB Nigeria emphasised that a number of biotech crops, such as Bt Cotton and TELA maize, are still awaiting complete commercialisation in relation to research advancements. The autumn armyworm is a significant problem for maize producers, and Tela Maize is being produced to withstand both Drought and harmful pests. Already approved, Bt cotton aims to boost cotton output by reducing bollworm infestations, which have historically caused farmers to suffer enormous losses. The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) are two organisations working together on ongoing research on these crops as part of larger attempts to create climate-resilient agriculture.
Participating organisations like the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) and NABDA are essential to furthering Nigeria’s scientific objectives. NABDA is at the forefront of biotechnology research and development, concentrating on enhancing agricultural output and encouraging inventions that tackle issues related to national food security. However, FIIRO supports the development of technologies that can be scaled for commercial use, concentrating on the industrial application of these advances. In addition, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) attended.
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They demonstrated how their work in fields like energy efficiency and satellite monitoring can support agricultural innovations and benefit the country. By working together, these organisations hope to advance Nigeria’s scientific and technology sectors and assist the nation realise its full potential in terms of innovation, industrial expansion, and sustainable development. In his speech at the exhibition, Minister Uche Geoffrey Nnaji stated that “innovation, science, and technology are the keys to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.” Such gatherings are essential for demonstrating our accomplishments and our collective potential.