The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026, designed to position Nigeria to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global bio-economy.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the council meeting in Abuja.

Udeh said the implementation of the revised policy would enhance Nigeria’s national competitiveness, attract investment, strengthen food and nutrition security, and accelerate sustainable economic growth through the strategic application of biotechnology.

According to him, the council approved the adoption and implementation of the revised policy as the national framework for the development, application, regulation and commercialisation of biotechnology in Nigeria.

He said the policy was also approved to facilitate Nigeria’s membership of the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) through the signing of the partnership’s Terms of Reference.

As part of the approval, the council designated the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) as the lead implementing agency for Nigeria’s participation in the Global Bioenergy Partnership.

Udeh added that the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology would serve as the coordinating ministry and provide periodic reports to the council on progress made in implementing the policy.

The revised policy is expected to provide a coordinated framework for leveraging biotechnology across key sectors of the economy, while promoting innovation, investment and the development of sustainable bio-based solutions.