The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to leveraging science and technology to bolster food security in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 8th Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Media Awards in Abuja last Tuesday, Chief Nnaji underscored the need for a stronger national focus on science and technology as essential tools for improving citizens’ lives. He cautioned that without genuine societal acknowledgment of the critical role of innovation, Nigeria’s aspirations for progress might remain limited to conference discussions without tangible outcomes.
Nnaji called for greater political will from the government, advocating for supportive policies that encourage Nigerian scientists to contribute to national development rather than seeking opportunities abroad. He emphasized that such efforts are vital to curbing the ongoing brain drain affecting the country’s scientific community.
While acknowledging the African Union’s Agenda 2063 commitment to science, technology, and innovation, Nnaji expressed concern about the limited action taken beyond discussions. He urged the media to play an active role in promoting local achievements in scientific innovation, stating, “Science is a global endeavor, and Nigeria will continue to explore its potential to improve citizens’ lives, especially in food security and nutrition.”
The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, described the OFAB Media Awards as a platform that celebrates responsible science communication by recognizing journalists who effectively report on the benefits and challenges of agricultural biotechnology.
Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at NBRDA, highlighted the eight-year journey of the OFAB Media Awards, crediting the initiative for enhancing public understanding of biotechnology’s role in agriculture and improving science literacy through media collaboration.
She noted that Nigeria has achieved significant breakthroughs in the commercialization of improved crop varieties such as Bt cotton, Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea, and TELA Maize, successes she attributed to robust media engagement in countering misinformation.
Dr. Gidado stressed the media’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion and informed policymaking. She remarked that the awards have empowered science journalists, fostering a positive narrative around biotechnology and its potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
