By Stanley Iwuoha
The National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA says with the release of Tella Maize, an improved maize seedling to farmers, the country saves about N258 billion used annually to import seed chemicals into the nation for maize production.
The agency also said another N21.280 ($15.2million) used to import maize to cover annual deficit of 268 million tons from army worm destruction is saved by with the introduction of the Tella Maize.
The Director General of the agency, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, who disclosed this, while speaking at the just concluded 2024 Tech Expo said NABDA is focused on agenda of Federal government, trying to compliment the effort government in ensuring food security to the citizens.
He said biotechnology remains crucial to Nigeria as a developing nation because of benefits therein.
‘‘We lose to army worm about 268m tons of maize annually. Because of this, we have deficit of maize and use not less than $15.2m annually to import maize. This is going to stop. Again, about N258bn is used to purchase chemicals into the nation for maize is going to stop.
From our research, we discovered that we are losing a lot and NABDA came up with a research to improve on the genetic constituents of milk. We have borrowed a system from India and Brazil to increase our milk production’’.
He stressed the need for the country to accept biotechnology as engine room for the development of the nation and to catch up with new era in the world of agriculture.
He explained that NABDA is collaborating with agencies within and outside the country to advance on-going efforts in the area of research and commercialization.
‘‘All our researchers are focused on agenda of the government and they are being done to compliment government efforts. Biotechnology can transform the economic fortune of the nation. It is the basis of economic development. For us to catch up with development in the world, we must embrace biotech.
‘‘Parts of the challenges we face in developing nations include, insecurity, environmental degradation, and investors and lack of investors’ confidence. To dismantle these challenges and foster economic growth, we must embrace biotechnology’’.
Following the development and release of Cowpea in 2022 and Tella Maize in 2023, he said Nigeria no longer has shortage of such crops but exporting to neighbouring countries.
With on-going collaboration with African Agriculture Research, Zaria, he asserted that Tella Maize is going to change food system in the country.
Prof. Mohammed further disclosed that research is on-going for release of herbicides tolerant Soybean and is equally targeting increase in milk production soon.
In his remarks, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, represented by the Permanent Secretary, underscored the importance of Science, Technology and Mathematics, STEM in addressing some societal vices, and urged state governments to key into it.
‘‘A lot of people do not know the essence of STEM and without STEM we cannot succeed. If we are able to harness the potentials of this agency, we will be able to export the products to the rest of the world. We need to encourage ourselves to key into STI, so that most of restiveness that we are having now can be dampened. Without STI in a positive way, most of our restlessness in the entire nation will continue fester.
‘‘We have decided to make provision for agencies like NABDA to go into research because research will not only be for university institutions, who usually keep outcomes in the shelve.
If we can have people who are passionate about STEM at all levels of government, most of our children will take career in STEM. Without STEM, we cannot make way forward’’.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology, OFAB, Dr. Mrs. Rose Gidado said, ‘‘Biotechnology is the way to go and a game changer that has transformed our world, from advancement in medicine to food production, agricultural and environmental and industrial processes’’.
‘‘We have come together to celebrate the milestone attained with cutting edge technology. With innovative technology, we are facing today; we are showcasing the latest technology.
As we embark on this journey, let us not forget the crucial role technology and innovation provides in addressing the societal challenges. We are here today to celebrate our advancement in technology exploration into the future’’.
