National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) serves as Nigeria’s focal institution for the promotion, coordination, and deployment of cutting-edge biotechnology to drive national socio-economic growth. Under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, the agency operates through a robust network of over 35 Bioresources Development Centres (BIODECs) and specialized Zonal Centres of Excellence, ensuring that biotechnological innovations reach the grassroots level across all six geopolitical zones. Its multidisciplinary research teams focus on four strategic pillars, agriculture, health, industry, and the environment, spearheading high-impact projects such as the development of pest-resistant and drought-tolerant crops (like TELA maize and PBR cowpea), the local manufacturing of essential pharmaceuticals including insulin and vaccines, and the advancement of renewable energy through waste-to-biogas technologies. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial application, the NBRDA functions as a central technical interface for international collaborations while providing evidence-based policy guidance to transform Nigeria into a leading global biotechnology hub.