The federal government has unveiled the Nigeria Genomic City initiative as part of efforts to transform the country into a knowledge and innovation-driven economy through scientific research, biotechnology and precision medicine.

Education minister Tunji Alausa, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on the project.

Mr ‎Alausa said the initiative would harness Nigeria’s rich genomic resources to improve healthcare, strengthen food security, promote scientific research and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

‎He warned that Nigeria’s growing population could become a burden if the country failed to invest in research, science and innovation.

“The biggest demographic dividend ever witnessed anywhere in the world could become a demographic calamity for us if we fail to act. We do not have a choice,” he said.

‎The minister described the Nigeria Genomic City as a strategic national investment that would position the country as a leading hub for genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine.

‎He said the project was conceived more than 20 months ago and deliberately designed as a multi-agency and multi-ministerial initiative because of its national importance.

‎According to him, the project is aimed at creating a sustainable national asset that will support scientific advancement and economic development for generations.

Mr Alausa said the federal government was also finalising the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund, expected to mobilise about $500 million annually to support research and innovation across the country.

‎He expressed optimism that the enabling legislation would receive the necessary approvals, paving the way for sustainable funding for research.

‎The minister disclosed that the University of Abuja would host the Nigeria Genomic City, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the National Board for Technology Incubation and other partners would provide technological and innovation supports.

‎He added that the Federal Ministry of Education would coordinate implementation of the project and facilitate collaboration among participating institutions.

‎Deputy education minister Suwaiba Ahmad described the initiative as an opportunity for Nigeria to emerge as a global leader in scientific innovation. ‎She said the country’s large population, growing research capacity and expanding pool of technical experts provided a solid foundation for the project’s success.

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(NAN)