Biotechnology Regulatory Conundrum: Balancing Innovation and Oversight

Abstract

The development and application of biotechnology in Nigeria have been significantly influenced by environmental factors, with the country's unique ecological context shaping the adoption and regulation of biotechnology. Nigeria's biodiversity hot spots, such as the Niger Delta and savannas, have driven the development of biotechnology solutions for the conversation and sustainable use of natural resources. Environmental concerns, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution, have also spurred the adoption of biotechnology in areas like sustainable agriculture and bioremediation. Furthermore, the impact of climate change on Nigerian agriculture has led to increased investment in climate-resilient biotechnology research and development. As a result, Nigeria's burgeoning biotechnology sector faces a regulatory conundrum as the country strives to harness the technology's potential while ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability. In Nigeria, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), the National Environment Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) share regulatory oversight, but challenges persist. This paper examines the tension between innovation and oversight in Nigeria's biotechnology regulatory landscape, highlighting issues of institutional capacity, public engagement, and ethical considerations. A balanced approach is proposed, integrating stringent regulatory frameworks, robust public participation, and innovation-friendly policies to foster responsible biotechnology development in Nigeria. This paper employs an analytical and comparative approach, utilising the doctrinal legal research methodology, which involves scrutinising both primary and secondary sources to provide a comprehensive and insightful examination of the issue under consideration.