Gidado made the disclosure on Thursday to Newsmen in Abuja. According to her, the measure will go a long way to enable Nigeria to employ biotechnology to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and feed its growing population.
“With this modern technology, we can create employment in line with the goals of the Federal Government.
“Also, with biotechnology, we can grow our economy beyond mere sustenance to the point of becoming a global major player in food exportation.”
Gidado said before the end of 2018, Bt Cowpea and Bt Cotton as biotechnology products in Nigeria would be in the market. She said the products had passed through all the experimental trial stages successfully, ready to enter the market when both international and national regulatory agencies give their approval.
“Once the approval is given, the products will be released to Varietal Release Committee and once it is approved by the committee then the next thing is commercialisation.
“From there, the foundation seed, breeder seed will be multiplied and then our local seed companies will come into play. That is where they will take over before the distribution of the seeds.’’
According to her, the agencies to give approval include National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), World Health Organisation WHO, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and Organisation for Economic Community Development (OECD).
