The federal government said on Monday in Abuja that it would take steps to build public trust in biotech innovations to grow the nation’s agriculture sector.

Abdullahi Mustapha, the director general of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), said this at a public forum it hosted in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation.

Mr Mustapha was represented at the event by Rose Gidado, director of the agricultural biotechnology department, NBRDA.

He said the federal government was conscious of the transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria.

“Biotech innovations hold promise for tackling agricultural challenges such as pandemics, offering solutions for a better future.

“Through the harnessing of science and technology, we can develop resilient crop varieties, improve pest control and combat disease resistance in crops.

“We can also enhance nutritional content while ensuring that our agricultural practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly,” he said.

Emmanuel Okogbenin, director of product development and commercialisation at AATF, said agricultural biotechnology, when responsibly developed and effectively adopted, offered a powerful set of tools that could help to address food insecurity.

“Nigeria and Kenya, along with Ghana, stand out as leaders on the continent, having made significant progress in commercialising biotech crops such as Bt Cotton, Bt Maize and PBR Cowpea.

“These innovations are not just scientific milestones; they represent real opportunities to transform lives, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance national food systems,’’ Mr Okogbenin said.

The AATF director, who was represented by Yarama Ndirpaya, AATF Tela programme manager/out-grower strategy lead in Nigeria, said it was imperative to acknowledge food security hurdles on the continent.

According to him, they included regulatory uncertainties, persistent misinformation, and public scepticism, which he said had continued to slow adaptation of scientific innovations.

“That is why this forum is so important; it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ he said.

The acting vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, Patricia Lar, said agriculture in Nigeria faced monumental challenges with the potential for food insecurity.

According to her, some of the challenges are climate change, pest infestations and soil degradation, adding that these factors threaten the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

She said that in spite of these challenges, opportunities still existed for innovation, collaboration and transformation.

Ms Lar expressed optimism that the power of agricultural biotechnology could be harnessed to save Nigeria from hunger.

“That is why this forum is so important; it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ she said.

(NAN)