The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has disclosed that the agency is set to begin the application of genome editing technology in agricultural production to boost productivity and ensure food security in the country.
The Director-General of the Agency, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, while speaking during the validation workshop organized to review the draft of the genome editing national communication and advocacy strategy and action plan, said the workshop was meant to carry stakeholders across the value chain along to maximize the success of the initiative.
The workshop was held in partnership with the African Union Development Agency, where representatives were present from various institutes, farmer bodies, lecturers, civil society, faith-based organizations, and regulators like the National Biosafety Management Agency, the National Orientation Agency, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
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Mustapha pointed out that NABDA partnered with AUDA-NEPAD to ensure successful implementation of the innovation, adding that they invited journalists, who are the ears and eyes of society, to join in validating the communication strategy and the roadmap.
“This initiative began in Nigeria in October 2022, and once it is validated, we swing into action and start the implementation. So, this workshop is to examine a critical aspect of GEd for the effective communication of the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations to the Nigerian public.”
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The Supervisor, Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation at AUDA-NEPAD, Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, disclosed that there had been high-level policy engagements in all the African countries used for the pilot scheme, including Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Eswatini.
He explained that the mandate of the center of excellence is to drive the implementation of Agenda 2063, which has the slogan, ‘The Africa we want’, by having policy documents that translate to implementation, adding that Africa is tired of policies without implementation.
