The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the National Policy on the Multilateral System (MLS) of Access and Benefit-Sharing under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), marking a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sustainability, biodiversity conservation and food security.
The Minister described the approval as a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural research and innovation agenda, noting that the policy would strengthen access to valuable genetic resources, promote scientific collaboration and support the development of improved crop varieties to enhance agricultural productivity and national food security.
The approval provides a framework for Nigeria to establish appropriate national regulatory and policy measures that will promote the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), while facilitating access to these resources and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation.
Among its expected national benefits are improved access to diverse plant genetic materials for agricultural research and crop improvement, enhanced capacity of Nigerian research institutions, preservation of indigenous crop varieties and increased opportunities for technology transfer. The policy will also support the development of crop varieties with greater resistance to pests, diseases and climate-related challenges, strengthen local seed systems, improve nutritional security and build resilience across Nigeria’s food systems. Furthermore, it creates opportunities for farmers to benefit from the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources through recognition of their contributions and participation in benefit-sharing arrangements.
The policy is anchored on Nigeria’s commitment to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which Nigeria signed in June 2022. The Treaty provides an international framework for facilitating access to plant genetic resources essential for food and agriculture, while ensuring their conservation for present and future generations.
The National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, will drive the implementation of the policy in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and achievement of its objectives.
Mrs. Pauline Sule, mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
FMIST
