NBRDA Nigeria

02/10/2026

NBRDA Highlights Biotechnology Intervention Against Ginger Blight at FMIST Stakeholders’ Engagement

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has highlighted its ongoing biotechnology intervention to address ginger blight disease during the 3rd Quarter 2026 Stakeholders and Citizens Ministerial Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) in Abuja.

The intervention was highlighted by the Director General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, during a session where Directors General of agencies under the Ministry were invited to speak on key programmes and projects contributing to sustainable development and addressing national challenges.

Prof. Mustapha said NBRDA has developed biotechnology-based interventions targeting the fungal disease affecting ginger production, including work on disease-resistant ginger planting material and a non-chemical biofungicide for use in ginger production.

He described the intervention as one of the Agency’s key achievements in applying biotechnology to address challenges facing farmers, noting the impact of ginger blight on ginger production in Kaduna State and other parts of the country.

The biofungicide developed by NBRDA is undergoing further testing and validation, including a shelf-life study and assessment under different environmental conditions, before it is made available for use.

Prof. Mustapha also disclosed that NBRDA is partnering with the Bank of Agriculture to support further development and production of the ginger technologies.

The intervention aligns with the emphasis of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, on the need to move research and innovation to application and commercialisation of ideas and technologies that can create value, generate employment and contribute to national development.

The 3rd Quarter 2026 Stakeholders and Citizens Ministerial Engagement brought together representatives of government agencies, research institutions, academia, industry and other stakeholders to discuss the implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation policies, projects and programmes of the Federal Government.

01/10/2026

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency celebrates Nigeria’s journey of resilience, innovation and growth.

May our nation continue to thrive through science, technology and sustainable development.

29/09/2026

Ethiopian Foundation Seeks Lessons from Nigeria’s Biotechnology Experience

The Hailemariam and Roman Foundation (HRF) of Ethiopia is seeking to learn from Nigeria’s experience in biotechnology research, adoption and application, particularly in agriculture and food security.

The Foundation’s delegation, led by its Senior Programme Officer, Mr Michael Heliso, is on a study tour of Nigeria and visited the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Abuja, on Monday, where it held discussions with the Director General, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha.

Prof. Mustapha said biotechnology has an important role to play in national development, with applications spanning agriculture, health, industry and the environment. He highlighted Nigeria’s experience with pod borer-resistant cowpea, TELA maize and biotechnology-improved cotton, noting the importance of collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders in applying biotechnology to national challenges.

NBRDA’s DG urged the Ethiopian delegation to make the most of its time in Nigeria by visiting research institutions, engaging with farmers, researchers, universities, companies and other stakeholders, and drawing lessons that could be relevant to Ethiopia.

Mr Heliso said the delegation was in Nigeria to understand how the country had developed and applied biotechnology and to learn from the experiences of its institutions and stakeholders. He said the lessons will contribute to discussions with African policymakers on the potential of agricultural biotechnology to improve food security, especially as climate conditions continue to change.

He added that the study tour forms part of an advocacy effort led by former Ethiopian Prime Minister, His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, to promote greater understanding and adoption of agricultural biotechnology across Africa.

Heliso said Nigeria’s experience is relevant to Ethiopia and the African continent because of the country’s population, agricultural importance and experience in developing and applying biotechnology.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured NBRDA’s trial fields, where it saw TELA maize and pod borer-resistant cowpea growing under field conditions.

The visit gave the team an opportunity to see the crops beyond presentations and discussions, including how the technologies are being tested and assessed under Nigerian conditions. The delegation also tasted cowpea prepared in different food forms, showing how the crop moves from agricultural research to food on the table.

The Ethiopian delegation included HRF’s Lead of Advocacy, Dr Teshome Tafesse, and Head of Agrifood Systems, Mr Tesfaye Falaha.

They were accompanied by representatives of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), including the Regional Representative for West Africa and Cowpea Project Manager, Dr Jean-Baptiste Tignegre; TELA Maize Programme Manager, Yarama Ndirpaya; and Communication Officer for West and Central Africa, Alex Abutu.

28/09/2026

24/09/2026

Introducing NBRDA’s New Tea Blends

22/09/2026

Nigeria’s Biotechnology Sector Must Compete on the Global Stage- NBRDA DG

18/09/2026

Nigeria’s Revised Biotechnology Policy Opens New Opportunities for Chemists — NBRDA DG

The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, says Nigeria’s revised National Biotechnology Policy opens new opportunities for chemists to contribute to the development of the country’s biotechnology sector.

Prof. Mustapha stated this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a seven-member delegation of the Nigerian Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS Nigeria), led by its Chair, Prof. Edu Inam, during a courtesy visit to the Agency.

The Director General said the revised National Biotechnology Policy provides a national framework whose implementation requires the participation of stakeholders and institutions across different sectors.

He noted that chemistry has applications across agriculture, environment, food science, industry and medical biotechnology, and encouraged ACS Nigeria to explore how its members can contribute to biotechnology research and development.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Prof. Inam said ACS Nigeria was seeking NBRDA’s partnership to strengthen biotechnology research and enterprise development in Nigeria, as well as the Agency’s participation in the Society’s 12th Annual Symposium.

She explained that the delegation considered it important to engage NBRDA ahead of the symposium because of the Agency’s mandate and its role in biotechnology research and development in Nigeria.

The delegation also sought Prof. Mustapha’s participation as Chairman of the opening ceremony of the 12th ACS Nigeria Annual Symposium and his delivery of the keynote address during the biotechnology session.

Prof. Mustapha assured the delegation of his participation and the Agency’s support for the event.

15/09/2026

NBRDA, UMYU PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), Katsina, on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in biotechnology research, training and technology development in Nigeria.

The MoU, signed by the Director General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, and Vice Chancellor of UMYU, Prof. Shehu Salihu Muhammad, establishes a framework for joint research, training, exchange of expertise, access to specialised facilities, collaborative funding applications and technology development and deployment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Mustapha said the partnership will enable NBRDA and UMYU to bring together their research expertise and resources to support research and technology development in areas of mutual interest.

The Vice Chancellor of UMYU said the University was committed to working with NBRDA to implement the agreement and expand opportunities for research and training in biotechnology. He noted that the collaboration will give UMYU staff and students greater access to specialised facilities and research opportunities.

The agreement provides for the training of UMYU staff and students in NBRDA laboratories, access by NBRDA researchers to UMYU facilities, joint research and scientific publications, doctoral and short-term training, joint funding applications and efforts to secure research funding and projects, including TETFund-supported initiatives. It also provides for collaboration in technology development and deployment.

11/09/2026

Are you interested in building skills in molecular biology?
If you are, this workshop is for you.

Here’s an opportunity to learn or strengthen your understanding of molecular biology techniques, and gain hands-on experience with essential molecular biology tools.

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) invites undergraduate and postgraduate students, early-career researchers, laboratory technicians, industry personnel and biotech enthusiasts with basic biology knowledge to its Hands-On Molecular Biology Workshop.

From DNA extraction and PCR amplification to gel electrophoresis, participants will learn and practise essential laboratory techniques, with an introduction to bioinformatics and laboratory safety.

Date: 4–6 November 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily

Venue: GBD Molecular Biology Laboratory, NBRDA Headquarters, Abuja

Registration fee: ₦150,000

Registration deadline: 30 September 2026

Take advantage of this fully hands-on workshop.

Limited seats available. Reserve your place today.

Register now: https://forms.gle/66TizUN8rznXGDrF8