Nigeria’s agriculture is undergoing a transformation essential to address the challenges that prevent it from reaching its full potential. These challenges include rising food demand, climate stressors, pest infestations, and degraded soil.

Biotechnology and genetic research play an integral role in improving agricultural productivity and addressing climate-related challenges. As agricultural genetics advances, from traditional breeding enhanced by molecular tools to modern gene editing and regulated biotech (GM) crops, there is a bridge in the gap between current farm outputs and the country’s food needs.

Genetic advancements, when used effectively, can increase crop yields, reduce losses caused by pests and drought, and improve profitability for farmers and agribusinesses.

Understanding Genetics in Agriculture

Genetics is the branch of biology that studies heredity, the process by which traits and characteristics are passed from parents to offspring. It explains why offspring resemble their parents and how variations occur within species.

Genetics in agriculture refers to the application of genetic principles and biotechnology tools to improve crop and livestock characteristics. It involves manipulating the genes of plants and animals to develop traits such as higher yields, pest and disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional content. Techniques include traditional breeding methods, genetic modification (GMO), and advanced gene-editing technologies like CRISPR.

In practice, agricultural genetics includes:

• Conventional and hybrid breeding: This involves selecting parents and crossing them to combine desirable traits (yield, taste, maturity).
• Marker-assisted selection & genomic selection: In this approach, DNA markers are used to accelerate selection for complex traits.
• Gene editing (CRISPR and similar tools): Gene editing enables precise edits to plant DNA without introducing foreign genes.
• Genetic modification (GM): insertion of genes (used under regulation for traits like insect resistance).
• Livestock genetics: selection and genomic improvement for animals (weight gain, disease resistance).

Genetic Research and Biotechnology Innovations in Nigeria

Nigeria hosts a growing ecosystem of agricultural genetic research, championed by institutions such as the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and partnerships with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Since its establishment in 2001, it has spearheaded efforts to promote, regulate, and commercialise biotechnology to enhance Nigeria’s food security goals. Nigerian agritech startups and research universities also contribute to innovations, focusing on developing improved crop varieties using molecular genetics and biotechnology tools.​

Rose Gidado, Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department at the National Biotechnology Development Agency, stated that the tools biotechnology provides serve the purpose of improving agricultural productivity and safeguarding food crops from the impacts of climate change, such as heat, flooding, and drought.

Crop Improvement Techniques that Can Improve Crop Yields

There are several crop improvement techniques. Some standard improvement techniques include:

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Nigeria has adopted GM crops, including Bt cotton and pest-resistant cowpea, to reduce pesticide use and increase yields. For example, Bt cowpea cultivation has shown significant pest resistance, enhancing farmers’ incomes and reducing losses.​
• Gene Editing (CRISPR-Cas9): Gene editing is a technique with promising applications, including enhancing the vitamin content and disease resistance of staple crops such as cassava. Nigeria has national guidelines for gene editing. The National Biosafety Guidelines for Gene Editing, as classified by the NBMA, regulate the handling of gene-edited organisms. 

Nigeria is currently running an active gene-editing initiative to improve cassava’s resistance to Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB), one of the most devastating diseases affecting the crop. According to the ISAAA AfriCenter report on Genome Editing in Africa, one of the highlighted projects is led by Dr Ihuoma Chizaram Okwuonu at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) in Umudike. This project utilises explicitly CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the MeSWEET10a susceptibility gene, which the pathogen causing Cassava Brown Blight (CBB) exploits. The goal is to develop more resilient cassava varieties.

• Traditional Breeding with Molecular Markers: Conventional breeding plays a role, enhanced by molecular markers that accelerate the development of climate-resilient varieties like drought-tolerant maize and hybrid rice adapted to Nigerian agro-ecologies.​

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations in Nigeria

Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) governs the regulation of GMOs and biotechnology. The law prioritises public health and environmental safety by strictly certifying biotechnology products before market introduction and prohibiting unapproved GMOs. 

NBMA also enforces strict sanctions against violations to maintain a safe regulatory environment. Public perception and ethical debates remain significant challenges, underscoring the need for ongoing public engagement and transparent communication to promote the acceptance of genetic technologies.​

Challenges Facing Genetic Advancements in Nigerian Agriculture

Major obstacles limiting genetic advancements in Nigerian Agriculture include: 

• limited funding for advanced research.
• infrastructure inadequacies.
• a shortage of skilled human resources.
• fragmentation in seed distribution and supply chains.

All of these hinder the adoption of genetically improved seeds and technologies within Nigeria. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to foster public-private partnerships and build capacity. With enhanced policy support, education, and investment, Nigeria’s agriculture can leverage genetic technologies to achieve significant yield increases and develop resilient crop systems. 

Expanding the use of gene editing and biotechnological innovations could further increase productivity, reduce reliance on imports, and establish Nigeria as a leader in agritech on the continent.