Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, a member of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms, recently inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is the Director General/CEO of National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
A Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry, and champion for the advancement of biotechnology in Nigeria, he served in different leadership positions and on several committees in the academia, prior to his appointment as NBRDA boss.
A member of Nigerian Institute of Chartered Chemist (MICCON); Royal Society of Chemistry, United Kingdom (MRSC) and Fellow Chemical Society of Nigeria (FCSN), Prof. Mustapha was conferred with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award by former President Muhammad Buhari, on 26th May, 2023, in recognition of his high productivity and meritorious service to the nation.
In this interview, the erudite professor assures Nigerians of the safety of GMOs, while maintaining that the application of the products of biotechnology would go a long way in helping to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth and development. He equally hailed President Tinubu for his foresight in creating a Ministry of Livestock Development.
Excerpts:
As you get closer to the end of your first term in office as the Director General of National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, how would you describe your journey so far?
Thank you very much for the honour of seeking to know what has been going on since I assumed office as Director General in National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency. I consider it an honour to serve and I’m glad to tell you that as an agency, we have recorded tremendous progress since my assumption of duty till now. I will intimate you with some of the major achievements in my journey so far. When I assumed office, I discovered that there were no basic foundations in the agency. Foundation number one is the lack of documentation for the land the agency occupies. If you are going to make developmental progress, it is important you have an officially documented land. And this is the first work I did. I’m happy to tell you that the agency’s land has been officially documented and it’s now fully owned by National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency.
The second foundation is the legal backing for the establishment of the agency. Since its establishment in 2001, there was no legal backing. This legal backing is the backbone for appropriation and the guarantee that it’s a full-fledged agency. I’m glad to tell you that within this tenure, I was able to get the legal backing, which is the NBRDA Act. The enactment of the NBRDA Act which has also been gazetted, provides a robust legal framework for the agency’s operations, ensuring its autonomy, effectiveness, continued growth and impact in the field of biotechnology. That is one great feat that we have achieved.
One of the things I prioritised on assumption of duty was infrastructural development and this has been achieved to a great extent. We now have a master plan for the premises where the Headquarters is located. This was never available. The master plan has been approved by the FCDA and we are awaiting the certificate. If you take a tour round the agency, you will see ongoing infrastructural development. I want a situation where every department in the agency has sufficient and conducive offices for staff. This is important to enhance staff productivity. We have started constructing more offices and investing in state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories to create a conducive work environment for staff, and foster innovation and research excellence. To avoid spending heavily on renting halls for hosting our programmes; trainings, workshops and so on, we have started building a 1500-seater capacity hall for the agency and expanding the road network within the agency.
Also, we are building the researchers’ hostel facility for hosting visiting researchers and biotechnology experts from within and outside the country who come to the agency to engage in research activities for knowledge-transfer. Instead of spending so much to lodge them in hotels, and transport them from the hotels to the agency, having a hostel will be cost efficient and more comfortable.
Is the hostel domiciled here at the headquarters?
Yes, it’s domiciled here at the headquarters. There is also a central laboratory that will be built and a bigger administrative building to accommodate more staff.
How about the staff welfare? Have you been able to create a conducive working environment for the staff?
I place a strong emphasis on staff welfare and development. I have ensured the implementation of policies and programmes to create improved working conditions for staff, enhance staff satisfaction, well-being, and professional growth within the institute. For example, since I assumed office, I made sure we purchase computers for offices regularly to enhance work productivity. I’ve also ensured uninterrupted access to essential utilities such as constant electricity and water, internet services, facilitating seamless research endeavours and maximising productivity within the agency. In addition, I have implemented workplace reforms and established mechanisms for restructuring and vacancy creation, optimising organizational efficiency and resource allocation to drive impactful biotechnological initiatives.
What have you done in the area of training?
We initiate various staff training programmes from time to time to enhance their skills and knowledge. This includes short courses, in-house training sessions, and support for pursuing advanced degrees such as Master’s and Ph.D. programmes, to enhance staff capacity and expertise in biotechnology. Many have successfully completed their PhDs and returned. I firmly believe that without continuous learning, progress is unattainable. In the past, there was a division between scientific officers and research officers leading to conflicts. I addressed this by establishing a committee to streamline roles, ensuring that all qualified individuals are recognised as researchers. This initiative has alleviated tensions and improved cohesion within the organisation. These are just a few examples of the positive changes we have implemented to enhance staff welfare and training.
What are the headways that have been from the agency’s research efforts?
Research is now the keystone of our organisation’s development. Formerly an agency focused on biotechnology development and information dissemination, we have transitioned into a dynamic research institute. Since this transformation, a dedicated group of very talented young researchers has been inaugurated, called “Young Researchers Forum” to engage in diverse research initiatives, collaborate, exchange ideas, and contribute to the advancement of biotechnology through mentorship and networking opportunities. These talented young researchers have come up with various research activities and we anticipate tangible results emerging from these endeavours within the next one to two years. Encouraging a broader participation, we are inviting more people to submit research proposals for funding consideration. Our comprehensive training programme equips researchers with the necessary skills to craft compelling proposals and enhance their chances of securing research grants from within and outside the country. This strategic emphasis on research marks a significant milestone that is unparalleled in the history of our agency.
Also, NBRDA has participated in the research activities that brought about the BT Cowpea. And this is something that is transforming the nation’s food supply, effectively addressing issues of hunger and malnutrition. The successful release and adoption of BT Cowpea underscore its profound impact and significance. Furthermore, the recently released Tela Maize promises transformative changes for the country.
Likewise, in the area of medical biotechnology, the agency has produced test kits. These kits hold immense potential in revolutionising medical practices and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field of medicine.
Test kits for what disease?
Diagnostic test kits for COVID. That is what we have done for now. Work is ongoing to develop various diagnostic test kits for the country’s benefits. This will be locally manufactured with local raw materials and machines. That of COVID has already been patented and delivered. We have also reached advanced stage on production of vaccines.
Vaccine for COVID?
No, not vaccine for COVID. Vaccine for COVID has already been done. Our current focus lies on the creation of a Rotavirus vaccine. Our aim is to acquire the necessary technology to catalyse the production of a variety of vaccines, similar to our successful endeavors with the test kits. Concentrating on Rotavirus vaccines, we have progressed from constructing and we are now trying to develop the protein, then subsequently, we will proceed to animal trials and eventually clinical trials. These ongoing research initiatives are pivotal in both agriculture and the medical sectors. They hold significant promise for the country’s development. Many other research endeavours for the socioeconomic development of our nation are ongoing in the agency.
Basically, what would you say are the challenges confronting the agency in the pursuit of the actualization of its mandate?
Well, funding has been our major challenge. Adequate financial resources are imperative to kickstart activities and foster robust research endeavours. Enhancing and expanding our laboratories, alongside training additional personnel, is essential for progress, yet this necessitates funding. The scarcity of funds has impeded the development of transformative research initiatives crucial for the nation.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Livestock Development Committee by the President, in which I serve as a member, aligns with the agency’s mandate. Our efforts are directed towards boosting milk production and enhancing meat quality in local cattle breeds. Through artificial insemination and crossbreeding with the indigenous white Fulani cattle, we have successfully delivered numerous calves, paving the way for a significant increase in milk production. This is a development of paramount importance for the country.
So, you see the creation of the Ministry of Livestock as a welcome development?
Definitely! The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development stands as a pivotal and commendable decision by the current administration. This strategic move acknowledges the vast potential inherent in Nigeria’s livestock sector, particularly its expansive cattle population exceeding 20 million. Despite this abundance, Nigeria’s global representation within the industry remains disproportionately low which is a stark contrast to nations with fewer cattle numbers. The absence of a cohesive framework for capitalising on these resources has impeded our competitive edge. The inception of the Ministry of Livestock Development signifies a transformative shift towards optimising not only cattle but all livestock resources. This development not only promises elevated attention to our livestock industry but also opens avenues for lucrative partnerships aimed at leveraging our bountiful reserves for domestic consumption and international trade. By harnessing our untapped potential in livestock production and export, we can secure foreign exchange earnings while meeting local demands. In light of these prospects, the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development is a laudable and visionary step towards maximising the economic and agricultural benefits inherent in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
One of the primary responsibilities of your agency is to spearhead the promotion of biotechnology products of which GMOs are part of. But in recent time, there has been a mounting opposition by various groups in the country against GMOs. How particularly worried are you about this?
I am not worried. Why should I be worried? I am confident in our work and our commitment to the right practices. While there may be opposition, we remain focused on our mission to alleviate poverty and enhance the well-being of Nigerians through our efforts. Those who have concerns should engage in research and present their findings for a constructive dialogue.
Their concern is that GMOs are not safe for consumption?
That is what I’m saying. If there are safety concerns regarding GMOs, we encourage thorough research and transparency in presenting any evidence. We are open to dialogue and collaboration to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our practices and products.
As a major stakeholder in the promotion and development of biotechnology, what assurance are you giving Nigerians on the safety of GMOs?
I am assuring Nigerians that the GMOs are very safe. Having gone through rigorous testing and evaluation processes to ensure its safety for consumption and the environment, they are safe and not harmful to humans and the environment. What Nigerians need to understand is that GMOs offer innumerable benefits that span across agriculture, food security, health, industry, and the environment. These genetically modified organisms have the potential to revolutionise our approach to addressing pressing global challenges such as food scarcity, malnutrition, and environmental sustainability.
So, by adopting and adapting genetically modified crops, Nigeria can increase food security, improve crop yields, and reduce the use of harmful pesticides. It is time to move past the fear and skepticism surrounding GMOs and embrace this cutting-edge technology for the benefit of all Nigerians.
What level of support would you say you have gotten from the current administration since it came on board in May last year?
We have received 100% support. I mean, 100% support. We have seen the approval of the genetically modified seed that is going to transform the country. As a government agency, we are getting the needed support and encouragement from the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It has been 100% support.
How cordial is your relationship with the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, under whose supervision your agency falls?
He is my boss and I am very loyal to him.
Your agency is preparing for a five-day international conference on Biotechnology which is opening on Monday 15th of July, 2024. What is the level of preparation for the conference?
We have made adequate preparations and look forward to a very successful event. We are expecting guests from all over the world, including leading experts, scientists, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to explore cutting-edge advancements and innovations in the field of biotechnology. By showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations in biotechnology, the conference can attract investment and foster the growth of biotech-related businesses. This, in turn, can create a ripple effect in job creation across various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and industry.
Preparations have been made for a conducive and safe venue for guests, for renowned scholars to share from their wealth of experience. There will be plenary sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations, workshops, and industry exhibition. There will also be a “best of show” presentation opportunity for African scientists to shine on a global stage.
Your agency, NBRDA, has been in partnership with AUDA-NEPAD, working on how the Genome Editing Technology can be deployed in Nigeria. What stage are you?
We are actively engaged in partnership and ongoing projects that are being monitored closely. We have researchers dedicated to these initiatives, documents are being followed, and there are plans for upcoming meetings to assess progress. We remain committed to advancing these projects for the benefit of our nation.