………….GMOs pose no health risks.
In healthcare, Biotechnology opens doors to innovative diagnostics, new therapeutics, precision medicine, immunotherapy and preventive measures especially production of vaccines using DNA recombinant technology.
It is on these basis that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will collaborate with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency NBRDA and similar agencies .
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare asserted during a sensitization workshop on Biotechnology and Biosafety, organized by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency NBRDA and Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa OFAB Nigeria Chapter.
Elaborating further on the values and benefits of Biotechnology to our healthcare, Dr. Salako stated that by integrating these advancements; Nigeria can tackle endemic diseases, improve maternal and child health as well enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“Biotechnology is also important in addressing the challenges of nutritional deficiencies especially among our children”, the Minister emphasized.
The workshop, according to Dr. Salako, underscored the shared commitment between the Ministry, NBRDA and OFAB to harnessing biotechnology and Biosafety for the progress of Nigeria.
To further affirm it’s critical importance to Nigeria’s future; he said, “Biotechnology is a cornerstone of innovation, offering groundbreaking solutions in healthcare, agriculture and, environmental sustainability.
From developing life-saving therapies to enhancing crop resilience, it’s potential to address global challenges is unparalleled.
Biosafety is the bedrock that ensures these advancements are safe for humanity and environment.”
Dispelling misconceptions surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms ( GMOs); Dr. Salako highlighted several scientific research in both the USA and Europe to butress the overwhelming evidence that GMOs pose no unique health risks.
“Claims linking GMOs to cancer or other illnesses must be substantiated by rigorous, peer review evidence, he declared.
“Scientific disclosures cannot be built on internet speculation. Over 2,000 credible studies, including evaluations by the US. National Academic of Sciences have confirmed that GMOs foods are safe as conventional foods- if not safer”.
In his presentation, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director- General /CEO of NBRDA enumerated the agency’s strategic role in national development since 2001, particularly in medical, agricultural, environment and industrial technology.
Prof. Mustapha described biotechnology as a technique that transfers desirable traits via genes from one organism to another to improve quality and performance. This process, he stated, forms the backbone of modern medicine and agriculture and, has become a multi-billion dollar global industry.
Signed
Alaba Balogun
Deputy Director
Public Relations & PR
23 April 2025
