By Felix Shammah
The Director General/CEO, National Biotechnology Research Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has said that Genetically Modified Organisms which are innovative products derived from biotechnology engineering and practice have become inevitable to Nigeria’s food security quest.
The DG underscored the imperative of biotechnology as driver of Nigeria’s development at a Sensitization Workshop on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their products for the Islamic Community in Abuja, during the week, organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, Nigeria Chapter an initiative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) under the auspices of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
Mustapha, who acknowledged that millions across the country contend with food insecurity coupled with the mounting pressures of climate change, said government cannot afford to dismiss any safe, effective technology that might help us secure the sustenance and wellbeing of families.
The DG, said: “Today’s gathering brings together two pillars of our national life: Faith and Science.
“By bringing every one of us here today, we affirm our belief that modern biotechnological innovations—when grounded in rigorous research and guided by our shared ethical values—can become powerful tools for social welfare.
“In Nigeria, where millions still contend with food insecurity and the mounting pressures of climate change, we cannot afford to dismiss any safe, effective technology that might help us secure the sustenance and wellbeing of our families
“I am particularly grateful to our distinguished religious leaders for lending their wisdom and moral authority to this conversation.
“Your voices have always shaped community perspectives, and your engagement in today’s workshop will lend clarity, confidence and context to discussions on GMOs.
“We recognise that Islamic teaching demands that what we consume both halal and tayyib—wholesome, pure and free from harm.
“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that any agricultural biotechnology product we embrace aligns fully with these higher objectives of Sharīʿah, protecting life, health and dignity.”
On the workshop, he added that participants will hear from leading scientists and regulators who will unpack the science behind GMOs, explain the careful risk assessments the agency takes at every stage, and the robust biosafety frameworks that govern every trial and release.
According to him, the experts will explore real world examples of drought tolerant crops, vitamins enhanced staples and other innovations designed to bolster yields, improve nutrition and mitigate the worst effects of an increasingly unpredictable climate.
But beyond technical detail, this workshop is a dialogue, he said: “We have set aside ample time for questions and reflections, because your concerns, your insights and your counsel are indispensable.
”It is only by marrying scientific evidence with faith-based principles that we can craft messages and outreach that resonate deeply with our communities, dispelling misconceptions and fostering trust.
“As we embark on this day of shared learning, I encourage you to engage fully, to probe boldly and to consider how each of us—whether as religious leader, scientist, policymaker or citizen—can champion an informed approach to biotechnology.
“Let us leave this room united by a common purpose: to advance innovations that enhance food security, promote human health and honour the values we hold dear.
“May our deliberations be fruitful, our interactions generous, and our outcomes inspiring for all who look to Nigeria for leadership at the intersection of faith and science.
In a remark the Chief Imam, Dantata Mosque, Abuja, Khalifa Muhammadu Abdullahi Suru, called for deeper understanding of biotechnology innovations and its outcome so that it can be spread to the entire community.
Represented by Alh. Abdullahi Nuhu, the Chief Imam, said: “We support NBRDA and OFAB for organizing the sensitization Workshop on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their products for the Islamic Community.
“The agency and the Open Forum on Agriculture Biotechnology (OFAB), Nigeria chapter, I urge everyone here to listen attentively to the food experts, resource persons that will be presenting papers to the benefit of the Muslim community and the entire nation at large.
We should support the organisers spiritually to succeed in execution of their food security agenda and programmes across the country, he added.
“I pray that all the programmes that they will undertake in the near future will be successful.” He said.