As part of ongoing efforts to establish and strengthen collaboration with local and international organisations for sustainable growth and development of Nigeria, the Director General, DG, of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, led a delegation on a working visit to the Nigerian office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, in Asokoro, Abuja.
According to a report, during the working visit, the status of existing collaboration between the two agencies was assessed, while further discussions focused on expanding collaboration in agricultural, industrial, environmental and medical biotechnology, as well as capacity building for NABDA staff was explored.
In his remarks, NABDA DG, Prof. Mustapha, thanked the JICA team for the existing collaboration and training programmes which three NABDA staff have benefited from in Japan.
He noted that one of the key objectives of the visit was to build on existing relationship and explore emerging opportunities for staff capacity building and national development.
Speaking further, Prof. Mustapha intimated the team on NABDA’s research breakthroughs and ongoing research activities.
Thereafter, he presented requests on capacity building and equipment support in areas of agricultural, industrial, environmental and medical biotechnology.
Responding, the Chief Representative, JICA Nigeria Office, Yuzurio Susumu, welcomed the NABDA delegation and said the areas proposed by NABDA for collaboration were within JICA’s development assistance scheme and assured the visiting team of JICA’s willingness to assist.
He added that NABDA will be given special consideration in their training programmes as well as Masters and PhD programmes.
While elaborating on different limitless opportunities NABDA could explore, Susumu noted that JICA encourages collaboration with universities, research institute of Japan and NABDA.
He therefore asked the NABDA team to develop a concept note, highlighting specific areas for fostering future synergies.
JICA’s Project Formulation Advisor on Agriculture/Nutrition North East Issues, Hokamura Akira and Senior Programme Officer, Dr. Umar Halilu, also contributed to the discourse and assured NABDA of JICA’s support where needed.
JICA uses an array of development assistance schemes to meet the diverse needs of developing countries around the world.
In the NABDA Delegation were the Director, Food and Industrial Biotechnology Department, Dr. Lawan Suleiman, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Dr. Rose Gidado, Centre Director, Aquatic Bioresource Training Centre, Tunari, Taraba State, Dr. Patrick Aderinola, Technical Assistant to the DG, Dr. Aminu Abubakar, and staff of the Communication and Protocol unit.
