Nigeria's FEC Approves Revised Biotechnology Policy 2026

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026 during a meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. This policy updates Nigeria's original biotechnology policy from 2001, marking a significant advancement in the country's biotechnology framework after 25 years.

The revised policy aims to enhance biotechnology research, development, application, and commercialization across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, industrial production, and environmental sustainability. It also addresses emerging technologies like precision agriculture and gene editing.

The approval includes the Nigeria Biotechnology Partnership, formalizing Nigeria's involvement in the Global Biotechnology Partnership to boost international collaboration and investment. Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, emphasized the policy's role in promoting innovation and attracting investment.

He acknowledged President Tinubu's leadership and the support of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, in advancing biotechnology in Nigeria.