The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (CoE-STI) under the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), recently held a training workshop for Nigerian policymakers and regulators on the science and potentials of genome editing (GEd).
This initiative is part of broader efforts to harness biotechnology for agricultural advancement and food security in Nigeria.
During her opening remarks at the event held in Abuja, director of the genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics department at NBRDA, Dr. Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo emphasised the significance of the workshop for policymakers and regulators. She noted that their role is crucial in shaping Nigeria’s science and technology landscape, especially in promoting innovations that can drive agricultural productivity. “Previously, we engaged extensively with various stakeholders to promote the adoption of genome editing as a powerful tool to enhance agricultural productivity and achieve food security. Today, we focus on you—our executive and legislative policymakers and regulators—whose understanding, support and advocacy are essential for mobilizing political, legislative, and financial resources,” she said.
Genome editing, as Dr. Ajenifujah-Solebo highlighted, has the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Through genome editing, crops can be engineered to improve yields, resist pests and diseases and adapt to climate change. This technology, she noted, positions Nigeria at the forefront of scientific advancement, ensuring the country does not lag behind in the global pursuit of sustainable development.
The training was designed to equip policymakers and regulators with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about the integration of genome editing in agriculture. Dr. Ajenifujah-Solebo stressed that genome editing, when fully adopted, could address some of Nigeria’s most pressing agricultural challenges, including low crop yields and vulnerability to pests and diseases. With proper legislative backing, genome editing can also help mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture by developing crops that are more resilient to harsh environmental conditions.
Head of the CoE-STI at AUDA-NEPAD, Prof. Olalekan Akinbo underscored the importance of building trust and confidence among policymakers when introducing innovative technologies like genome editing. He stressed that informed policymakers are better equipped to make decisions that will stand the test of time and benefit the country. “One critical role of policymakers is to stay informed and continually engage with science. Training and sharing knowledge with them is essential. When you bring in renowned scientists to capacitate policymakers, you build trust,” he said. Akinbo further explained that trust is vital for the successful adoption of new technologies, and it is built through knowledge-sharing and constructive engagement.
Akinbo emphasised that the workshop was a significant step towards reducing technophobia, which is often a barrier to the acceptance of new scientific developments. By fostering a better understanding of genome editing, Nigeria can make strides toward achieving the “Africa We Want” by 2063, a strategic framework for socio-economic transformation across the continent. He reiterated that knowledge-based policy decisions, grounded in scientific evidence, are essential for Nigeria to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global agricultural sector.
On the sidelines of the event, clerk of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Ukachukwu Chidiebere spoke with journalists about the critical role of science and technology in national development. According to him, science and technology serve as the foundation for every other sector of the economy and society. “Nigeria needs to invest in the development of science, technology, and innovation (STI). It is the bedrock upon which every other sector runs. Without a strong foundation in STI, our development efforts will falter,” he said.
Chidiebere further noted that the two-day workshop was an excellent opportunity for the National Assembly to engage with experts on genome editing, and it was a fruitful experience. “This programme is not only about creating awareness but also about collaboration. We’ve had insightful discussions and reviewed concerns. I believe this interaction marks the beginning of a long journey, but progress is being made,” he added. He stressed that while genome editing has the potential to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria, it is essential that the country owns the technology, rather than allowing multinational corporations to dictate its use.
The clerk of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Mohammed Gana also shared his perspective, calling for more awareness and engagement around genome editing. He admitted that prior to the workshop, he held reservations about the technology, but the event helped clarify many of his doubts. “Before attending this program, I had some biases about genome editing. But after learning from the experts, I now have a better understanding. It’s important to engage with the technology and study it carefully,” he said.
Gana highlighted the need for further education and engagement among his peers in the legislative arm of government, particularly since not all lawmakers have a background in science. “Many legislators involved in decision-making about science lack a scientific background. We need more time to sit down, study this technology holistically and engage with it,” he said. He pledged to share what he had learned with his colleagues and push for further discussions on genome editing in the Senate.
The training workshop is part of ongoing efforts by the NBRDA and AUDA-NEPAD to advance genome editing in Nigeria and across Africa. It brought together policymakers, regulators, and scientific experts to exchange knowledge and ideas on how to use genome editing to address the continent’s agricultural challenges. Participants agreed that genome editing holds significant potential for improving food security and agricultural productivity, but that a strong legislative and regulatory framework is necessary to ensure its successful adoption.
Genome editing, which allows for precise modifications to an organism’s DNA, can significantly improve the quality of crops by enhancing their nutritional value, increasing their resistance to pests and diseases, and improving their adaptability to different climates. As Nigeria continues to grapple with food security challenges, genome editing offers a promising solution. However, it is essential that policymakers and regulators are well-informed and equipped to handle the complexities associated with this technology.
The workshop represents an important milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward agricultural innovation, with genome editing poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of the country’s food systems.
