- FG unveiled the Nigeria Genomic City initiative
- The project will boost research and healthcare
- University of Abuja will host the initiative
The Federal Government has announced plans to establish the Nigeria Genomic City, a major scientific initiative designed to position the country as a centre for genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine while supporting healthcare, agriculture and economic diversification.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed the plan during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, stressing that Nigeria must invest in research, science and innovation to fully benefit from its growing population.
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According to him, the country’s youthful population could become a burden rather than an asset if deliberate efforts are not made to build a knowledge-driven economy.
He described the proposed Genomic City as a long-term national investment that would strengthen scientific research, improve disease prevention and treatment, boost food production and stimulate economic growth through innovation.
Alausa explained that the initiative was conceived over 20 months ago as a collaborative project involving several ministries and government agencies because of its national importance.
He said the project belongs to the country rather than any single institution, adding that broad cooperation would be essential to its success.
The minister noted that the Tinubu administration is working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on natural resources by promoting research, technology and innovation, with the Genomic City expected to become one of the government’s flagship scientific projects.
He also expressed concern that although Nigeria possesses one of the world’s richest pools of genetic diversity, the country has yet to maximise its scientific and economic value.
According to him, many advanced economies have built thriving biotechnology industries from genomic research, while African genetic resources have often generated greater benefits abroad than within the continent.
Alausa said the government intends to strengthen data sovereignty, protect Nigeria’s scientific resources and pursue international partnerships that provide mutual value.
He further revealed that arrangements are being concluded for the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund, which is projected to mobilise about $500 million annually to finance research and innovation across the country.
The minister said the proposed legislation establishing the fund would be presented to the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Under the plan, the University of Abuja will host the Nigeria Genomic City, while the National Information Technology Development Agency, the National Board for Technology Incubation and other partners will provide technological and innovation support. The Federal Ministry of Education will oversee implementation and coordinate participating institutions.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the project as an opportunity for Nigeria to emerge as a global player in scientific innovation.
She said the country has the population, research capacity and skilled professionals needed to make the initiative successful, pledging the ministry’s support in building partnerships and mobilising institutions.
Presenting the technical framework, the pioneer Director of the Centre for Genomic and Precision Medicine at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Mayowa Ojo Owolabi, said the project would create a national platform that integrates genomic, biological and health data to support scientific discoveries and commercial innovation.
He explained that the initiative would improve disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment while also strengthening agriculture through the development of improved crop varieties and livestock breeding.
According to him, the project will help attract investment, build a globally competitive scientific workforce, promote biotechnology exports and protect Nigeria’s genomic resources through stronger data governance and intellectual property measures.
Owolabi added that the initiative would also encourage greater collaboration with Nigerian scientists in the diaspora and create new opportunities for commercialising locally developed innovations.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to coordinating the project, expressing confidence that collaboration among government agencies, universities, research institutions, private investors and development partners would help unlock Nigeria’s scientific potential and enhance its competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
The Nigeria Genomic City is expected to serve as a national hub where researchers, universities, hospitals and technology companies collaborate to develop new medicines, diagnostics and biotechnology solutions while supporting the Federal Government’s broader agenda to diversify the economy through science, research and innovation.
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