NIGERIA - FUNDING REQUEST FOR FY09 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH

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
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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:
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-- 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