By Nkechi Eze
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing safe, responsible and sustainable agricultural innovation across the country as it joined other major stakeholders in a high-level familiarisation and engagement meeting on biosafety regulation and biotechnology oversight.
The meeting, convened by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, Nigeria Chapter, an initiative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) brought together key institutions including the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA). The session was designed to deepen communication among chief executives, strengthen strategic relationships and build a shared understanding of biosafety responsibilities in line with global best practices.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of ARCN, Khadijat O. Ameen, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, emphasised the organisation’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation is anchored on safety, sustainability and robust scientific regulation. Dr. Dabban highlighted the roles and mandates of ARCN, stressing that strong research systems and regulatory harmony are essential for national food security and public trust in emerging technologies.
The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to outline their expectations, clarify operational responsibilities and address concerns related to biosafety governance, particularly as Nigeria continues to integrate modern agricultural biotechnology into its development agenda. Discussions centred on enhancing regulatory transparency, strengthening inter-agency cooperation and ensuring that biosafety decisions fully align with public health, environmental safety and national development goals.
According to organisers, the familiarisation meeting is a crucial step toward reinforcing collaboration among Nigeria’s leading biosafety and biotechnology institutions. By improving communication and building a unified front, the stakeholders aim to establish a more coordinated framework for managing biosafety practices while laying a solid foundation for future partnerships.
Participants expressed optimism that the renewed synergy will support Nigeria’s drive toward innovation-led agriculture, improve regulatory efficiency and enhance public confidence in the safe deployment of agricultural technologies.
