By DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to build a knowledge-based economy through the establishment of the Nigeria Genomic City, an ambitious national project aimed at unlocking the country's vast genomic resources to improve healthcare, boost food security, strengthen scientific research and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, cautioned that Nigeria's rapidly growing population could become a major burden if the nation fails to make significant investments in science, research and innovation.
According to the minister, Nigeria stands at a critical point where its youthful population can either become a major economic advantage or a national challenge if the country does not embrace knowledge-driven development.
Dr. Alausa described the Nigeria Genomic City as a strategic national project that will establish Nigeria as a leading destination for genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine while creating long-term opportunities for scientific discoveries and economic transformation.
He explained that the concept was developed over 20 months ago and intentionally designed as a collaborative initiative involving several ministries and government agencies because of its national importance. Although the idea emerged while he was serving as Minister of State for Health and continued after his appointment as Minister of Education, he stressed that the project was never intended to belong to any single ministry but to Nigeria as a whole.
The minister said the initiative is focused on creating a lasting national asset that will benefit future generations rather than advancing institutional or personal interests. He added that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of transforming Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy into one driven by research, technology, innovation and knowledge.
Dr. Alausa noted that while many advanced nations have built trillion-dollar biotechnology and genomics industries, Nigeria has yet to fully harness its rich genomic resources. He expressed concern that African genomic data has often been utilised internationally under unequal arrangements that generate enormous value abroad without delivering corresponding benefits to African countries.
He therefore called for deliberate investments to protect Nigeria's scientific assets, strengthen data sovereignty and encourage partnerships that guarantee mutual benefits.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government is concluding arrangements to establish the National Research and Innovation Development Fund, which is expected to generate nearly 500 million dollars annually to finance research and innovation nationwide. He expressed optimism that the enabling legislation would receive approval from the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly before receiving presidential assent.
Dr. Alausa announced that the University of Abuja has been selected as the host institution for the Nigeria Genomic City. He said the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the National Board for Technology Incubation and other strategic partners will provide the technological and innovation support needed for the project's implementation, while the Federal Ministry of Education will coordinate activities, mobilise resources and ensure collaboration among participating institutions.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to the initiative, describing it as a unique opportunity for Nigeria to become a global leader in scientific innovation instead of merely following global trends.
She said Nigeria's large population, expanding research infrastructure and growing pool of skilled professionals provide a solid foundation for the success of the project, assuring stakeholders that the ministry would continue to mobilise partnerships and institutional support to ensure its successful implementation.
Presenting the technical framework for the initiative, Professor Mayowa Ojo Owolabi, Pioneer Director of the Centre for Genomic and Precision Medicine at the University of Ibadan and initiator of the Nigeria Genomic City, described the project as a transformative investment capable of revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, biotechnology and economic development.
He explained that the initiative will establish a sustainable national platform built on genomic, biological and health data to support the discovery, development and commercialisation of innovative solutions for disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. He added that it would also improve crop and livestock production, strengthen food security and promote inclusive economic growth.
Professor Owolabi stated that Africa possesses the world's richest genetic diversity, giving Nigeria a unique opportunity to become an international hub for genomics, precision medicine and biotechnology. He added that the project will protect the country's genomic resources through strong data sovereignty and intellectual property safeguards while leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and bioinformatics.
He further noted that the initiative will help develop a highly skilled scientific workforce, attract local and international investment, strengthen collaboration with Nigerian researchers in the diaspora and position the country as a producer and exporter of scientific discoveries and biotechnology innovations.
Reiterating the Federal Government's commitment, Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to provide the leadership and coordination necessary to ensure the successful delivery of the Nigeria Genomic City. He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among government institutions, universities, industry, development partners and the private sector would unlock Nigeria's scientific potential, enhance its global competitiveness and create lasting benefits for future generations.
Adeola Kunle
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