The International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), in collaboration with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), convened a two-day meeting in Abuja on August 26 – 27, 2025, under the theme Safeguarding the Nigerian Bioeconomy. The meeting brought together government leaders, biosecurity experts, researchers, and biotechnology industry stakeholders to explore practical pathways for integrating safeguarding measures, including DNA synthesis screening, into Nigeria’s bioeconomy.

Key themes from the discussions

1. • The promise of biotechnology for Nigeria: Discussions underscored the potential of biotechnology to transform Nigeria’s economy, particularly through agricultural innovation and decentralization of medical countermeasures. Participants highlighted job creation and economic opportunity as benefits that can only be sustained with appropriate safeguards in place.
   • Emerging technologies and AI: The rise of artificial intelligence in synthetic biology was seen as a double-edged development: enabling faster innovation while also expanding the risk landscape. Effective governance of emerging technologies was identified as essential to balancing opportunities with security.
   • Strengthening governance and regulation: Nigeria’s National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan (2022–2026) was recognized as a proactive mechanism; however, participants emphasized the need to build on existing regulations, harmonize agency efforts, map all stakeholders, and secure sustainable funding. Institutional biosafety committees and coordinated oversight were seen as vital mechanisms for proactive governance.
   • DNA synthesis screening and complementary safeguards: DNA synthesis screening was consistently emphasized as a cornerstone safeguard, critical for both national security and compliance with international frameworks such as the Biological Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 1540. In addition, participants highlighted complementary measures, including:
     • Systematic use of biorisk assessment to anticipate and mitigate risks.
     • Development of international standards for harmonized screening and quality controls.
     • Establishment of a shared biorisk database to improve surveillance and risk management.
     • Oversight of dual-use research and better integration of safeguards into innovation incentives.
     • Improved training in biosecurity best practice, strengthening institutional risk management, and local capacity building.
   • Building public trust: Participants stressed the importance of public trust in biotechnology, built through transparency, accountability, and effective communication.
   • Advancing Nigeria’s bioeconomy: Finally, stakeholders called for investment in a full research and development value chain, protection of intellectual property, and creation of bioeconomy hubs through public-private and academic partnerships. These measures were described as essential for translating science into market-ready innovations.

Shared commitment to secure growth

IBBIS and NBMA closed the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s bioeconomy grows safely, responsibly, and in alignment with global best practices. The meeting provided a platform for continued stakeholder engagement in strengthening biosecurity and biosafety while also meeting important non-proliferation obligations under the Biological Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 1540. By fostering dialogue among policymakers, regulators, scientists, and security experts, the forum fostered greater alignment between national implementation measures, identified synergies across related efforts, and addressed overlapping challenges. This cooperation is vital to ensuring that legal, technical, and operational frameworks are mutually reinforcing, build structural resilience, and strengthen national preparedness.

Lastly, with the NBMA connecting stakeholders responsible for public health, scientific research, law enforcement, and national security, the discussions served to strengthen coordination mechanisms and also promoted best practices. Closer cooperation across these communities will not only enhance national compliance with international obligations but also build more resilient systems capable of mitigating biological risks and safeguarding both security and development in Nigeria.