VZCZCXRO0732
PP RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHUJA #0106/01 0201507
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 201507Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5063
INFO RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 0672
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHDC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 000106 
 
SIPDIS 
 
EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT/ - SZYMANSKI AND BOBO 
DOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS AND 
3130/USFC/OIO/ANESA/DHARRIS 
USDA/FAS/OTP FOR MCKENZIE 
USAID/AFR FOR ATWOOD 
DEPARTMENT FOR T MARC HUMPHREY 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO BEXP EAID NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA - FUNDING REQUEST FOR FY09 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH 
 
REF: STATE 127423 
 
¶1. Embassy Abuja is pleased to submit the following project proposal 
for consideration of funding under the Department's 2009 
biotechnology outreach program. 
. 
Background 
---------- 
. 
¶2. Nigeria is a natural leader in the African continent due to its 
size, population, and economic potential.  It is endowed with vast 
natural resources and possesses immense agricultural potential. 
However, this potential has not been fully realized due to years of 
military dictatorship, endemic corruption, and emphases on the gas 
and oil industry to the determent of the agricultural sector. 
Approximately 70% of the population is engaged in agricultural 
production at a subsistence level.  Targeted reforms, investment, 
and the use of advanced methods and techniques in the agricultural 
sector are needed to lift a significant proportion of the population 
out of poverty and move the country towards broad-based economic 
development.  Positive developments in Nigeria will also have 
transformational effect on the rest of Africa. 
 
¶3. Since coming to power in 2007, the Yar'Adua Administration has 
introduced a seven-point reform agenda, which comprises achieving 
food security by boosting agricultural yield and production through 
utilization of research and technology, among other inputs.  One of 
the Mission's Strategic Plan (MSP) is to increase agricultural 
output and trade by addressing core agricultural sector constraints 
of low productivity, limited access to credit, production of low 
value primary products, and lack of market opportunities.  Employing 
biotechnology and other needed reforms is essential for Nigeria to 
achieve food security and increase trade.  Under its policy reform 
project, USAID currently provides technical assistance to the 
Ministry of Environment on drafting, passage and implementation of a 
comprehensive bio-safety law.  The Project also sponsors a series of 
public campaigns and targeted sensitization initiatives designed to 
inform all stakeholders about the provisions of the draft law and 
the benefits of modern biotechnology. 
 
¶4. The necessary laws have not yet been enacted, partly because of 
the 2007 change in administration, as well as a lack of accurate 
information about the benefits and risks of biotechnology by members 
of the government, the national assembly, academia, farmers, and the 
media.  However, in December 2008, there was a significant movement 
forward when the draft bill was formally introduced into the 
National Assembly by the Chairman of the House Agricultural 
Committee.  As the bill moves through the legislative process, 
Nigerian stakeholders need to be informed about the latest 
biotechnology developments, and the necessity of having a 
biotechnology strategy that includes an adequate legal and 
regulatory scheme supportive of responsible growth in the sector. 
 
¶5. Post proposes a speaker program on biosafety using a U.S. and 
Nigerian expert to build support for the passage of the draft 
Nigerian Biosafety Bill among key Nigerian constituents.  The U.S. 
speaker will discuss biotechnology from a legal perspective, 
benefits to farmers and consumers, environmental benefits, and 
current international trends.  The Nigerian speaker will address the 
benefits of biotechnology and its role in helping Nigeria achieve 
food security.  S/he will also discuss current research in Nigeria 
related to biotechnology.  The speakers will address key 
constituents, including legislators, government experts, the 
scientific community, farmers and agribusinesses, civil society, and 
members of the media in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan.  This activity 
complements and supports upcoming events such as media roundtables 
and information retreats for House and Senate agriculture committee 
members planned under the existing USAID Project. 
 
¶6. Project Description: 
   -------------------- 
 
-- Cost of proposed program: $20,000 
 
-- Target Audience: Nigerian legislators, government officials, 
academia, agribusinesses, farmers associations, and the media. 
 
-- Specific ag-biotech issues to be addressed: Biotechnology from a 
legal perspective, benefits to farmers and consumers, and current 
international trends. 
 
-- Impact of project on USG objectives:  Will advance USG objective 
 
ABUJA 00000106  002 OF 002 
 
 
of promoting broad-based economic development through increased 
agricultural production.  Adoption of a comprehensive biosafety 
regime will also facilitate market access to U.S. agribusinesses in 
Nigeria and will encourage protection of intellectual property 
rights. 
 
-- Proposed length of time: Two week 
 
-- Program support needed:  IIP's speaker program 
 
-- Name of responsible officer and contact:  Feleke Assefa, Abuja 
Environment, Science, Technology, and Health Officer: 
Assefaft@State.gov. 
 
¶7.  Mission looks forward to working with Washington in bringing 
this project to fruition. 
 
¶8.  This cable was coordinated with Consulate Lagos. 
 
PIASCIK