Biotechnology Regulatory Conundrum: Balancin Innovation with oversight
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Date
2024
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The Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy
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 bio remediation. 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.