The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria recently showcased biotechnology crops to over 5,000 attendees from government agencies, the military, private sector, academic institutions and the general public at the 8th edition of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Expo.
In a statement to Science Nigeria, OFAB Nigeria reported that an additional 630 participants—including students from three secondary schools, Federal University Lafia’s department of agriculture, the Nigerian Army and various other groups—engaged in direct discussions with OFAB representatives. The estimated attendee breakdown included 4,321 adult males, 2,719 adult females and 1,892 youths.
OFAB Nigeria, an initiative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), stated that its goals at the STI Expo were to boost public and stakeholder awareness of agricultural biotechnology’s benefits and advancements; foster partnerships across the science, technology and innovation sectors; attract potential investors and share recent research and innovations with a broader audience.
During the event, OFAB Nigeria displayed all approved biotechnology crops and some awaiting commercialisation. A key feature was the “Eating is Believing” campaign, where visitors sampled foods made from approved biotech crops. This campaign showcased products like PBR cowpea, TELA maize and Bt cotton, and over 5,000 participants expressed curiosity and openness toward GMO crops, with many indicating support for crop biotechnology.
The expo, themed “Science, Technology and Innovation: Solution to National Economic Challenges,” included an address from President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government, Hon. George Akume, along with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji and the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye. Other notable figures from the science, technology and innovation sectors, including scientists, researchers, policymakers and inventors, also attended.
The ministry emphasised that the expo was a platform for showcasing the nation’s finest innovations, including industrial equipment, healthcare products, agricultural tools, military hardware and security gadgets.
During the five-day event, Nnaji highlighted the vital role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in economic development, pointing to its impact on industrial growth and sustainability. “STI is essential to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential. This expo is a valuable opportunity for the private sector and inventors to capitalise on research for wealth creation and empowerment,” he noted.
Nko-Asanye, in her opening remarks, called this year’s expo a testament to the ministry’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable industrial growth. She emphasised the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with sector stakeholders to promote innovation, advance technology and drive Nigeria’s industrialisation.
The 2024 expo saw extensive participation from key agencies, including the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), National Research Institute of Chemical Technology (NARICT), Nigerian Institute for Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), amongst others.
