The Federal Government has unveiled the Nigeria Genomic City, a national initiative aimed at positioning the country as a leading hub for genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine, while announcing plans to establish a National Research and Innovation Development Fund expected to mobilise nearly $500 million annually for research and innovation.
Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, disclosed this on Wednesday during a high-level stakeholders meeting in Abuja, where he said the initiative forms part of the government’s strategy to transform Nigeria into a knowledge and innovation-driven economy.
In a statement issued by Ikharo Attah, Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Alausa warned that Nigeria risks turning its growing population into a liability if it fails to invest aggressively in science, research and innovation.
“The biggest demographic dividend ever witnessed anywhere in the world could become a demographic calamity for us if we fail to act. We do not have a choice,” the minister said.
He described the Nigeria Genomic City as a strategic national investment designed to harness the country’s vast genomic resources to improve healthcare, strengthen food security, promote scientific discovery and create new economic opportunities through biotechnology and precision medicine.
