Charged with potential development, Some Civil Society Organisations CSOs in Nigeria have demanded the Federal Government to explore and harness the undiluted potentials of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Development Agency NABDA, stating that it’s a vital tool to boost the country’s economy.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, the Empowerment for Unemployed Youths Initiative EFUY1, on Tuesday said the economic diversification would create job opportunities and boost the nation’s foreign earnings.
In attendance of the meeting which held in Abuja, were Engr Patrick Ogheneyero, President of Centre for Peace transparency and Accountability CPTA and Comr. Ogakwu Dominic, President Civil Society Groups for Good Governance CSGGG.
In a statement signed by the Convener and National Coordinator, Comr. Solomon Adodo, the group maintained confidence in the Federal Government’s economic recovery and growth plan stating that NABDA has a lot to contribute in terms of non-oil export boosting.
He said; Nigerians will benefit more if government heeds to the call to prioritise the activities of NABDA.
“The global biotechnology market is expected to reach USD 727.1 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The emergence of certain key themes in the biotechnology market is expected to drive growth in this industry to a lucrative extent.
“To tap into this bright prospect leaves the Federal Government with only the option of giving the desired support to the agency saddled with the responsibility of regulating biotechnology.
“The fact that the Buhari led administration has midwifed a robust inter Agency partnership between the NABDA and other agricultural and/or research based Agencies is quite commendable judging from the results so far obtainable in BT Cowpea and BT cotton seeds.
“Already, there are testimonies of economic prosperity from cotton and Cowpea farmers who have embraced the BT cotton and Cowpea seeds,” he added.
The groups further applauded NABDA for its pioneering role and achievements in the development of sustainable agriculture through the utilisation of biotechnology tools such as culture, molecular breeding and genetic engineering.
Meanwhile the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Biotechnology is touted to creating wealth through agricultural and environmental products.
The Federal Government approved the establishment of National Biotechnology Policy in April 2001, aware of the importance of biotechnology in national development.
The policy is to among other things promote biotechnology activities that positively respond to national aspirations on food security, job/wealth creation, affordable healthcare delivery and sustainable environment, among others.
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