Executive Summary
The Center for Biosecurity, Biosafety, Infectious Diseases, and One Health (CEBBIDOH) at Kaduna State University has established a strategic partnership with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in Abuja. This collaboration aims to strengthen Nigeria’s biosafety and biosecurity infrastructure, promote the safe use of biotechnology, and enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.
Background
CEBBIDOH is a leading research center in Nigeria focused on addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. NBMA is a government agency responsible for regulating the safe use of biotechnology and ensuring compliance with biosafety and biosecurity standards in Nigeria.
Objectives
The partnership between CEBBIDOH and NBMA aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Strengthen Biosafety and Biosecurity Infrastructure: Enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and biosafety/biosecurity incidents.
- Promote the Safe Use of Biotechnology: Support the development and implementation of biosafety and biosecurity guidelines, regulations, and standards for biotechnology research, development, and application.
- Enhance Capacity Building and Training: Collaborate on training programs, workshops, and conferences to enhance the capacity of researchers, policymakers, and regulatory officials in biosafety, biosecurity, and biotechnology.
- Support Research and Development: Collaborate on research projects, joint studies, and technology transfer initiatives to promote the safe and responsible use of biotechnology.
Expected Outcomes
The partnership between CEBBIDOH and NBMA is expected to yield the following outcomes:
- Improved Biosafety and Biosecurity Infrastructure: Enhanced capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and biosafety/biosecurity incidents.
- Increased Public Awareness and Engagement: Greater public understanding and engagement on biosafety, biosecurity, and biotechnology issues.
- Strengthened Regulatory Framework: Enhanced regulatory capacity to oversee the safe use of biotechnology and ensure compliance with biosafety and biosecurity standards.
- Advancements in Biotechnology Research and Development: New technologies, products, and services developed through collaborative research and innovation.
Conclusion
The partnership between CEBBIDOH and NBMA marks a significant step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s biosafety and biosecurity infrastructure, promoting the safe use of biotechnology, and enhancing the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.
Recommendations
- Establish a Joint Steering Committee: Set up a committee to oversee the partnership, provide strategic direction, and ensure effective implementation.
- Develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Formalize the partnership through a MOU, outlining the terms, scope, and responsibilities of each partner.
- Identify Priority Areas for Collaboration: Determine specific areas for joint research, capacity building, and technology transfer initiatives.
- Secure Funding and Resources: Explore funding opportunities and mobilize resources to support collaborative activities and projects.
YJ Salasi
CEBBIDOH, KASU