Government and industry stakeholders have been urged by the Nigerian Society for Microbiology, or NSM, to embrace microbial innovations as long-term remedies for oil spills and other environmental issues facing the country.
After holding its 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, the society emphasized the continued importance of microbes in bioremediation and ecosystem restoration.
The group stated in a statement signed by its president, Prof. Saleh Ado, that microbial applications that break down pollutants and restore balance to impacted ecosystems could be a more effective way to address the ongoing environmental destruction in the Niger Delta and other oil-producing regions.
Additionally, the microbiologists emphasized how plant microbiomes can enhance soil fertility, promote climate-smart agriculture, and increase food production.
They pushed for the inclusion of microbial technologies in Nigeria’s food security plans.
The NSM stated that microbial bio-innovations have potential for the health sector, particularly in the development of novel antibiotics, vaccines, probiotics, and treatments, in addition to environmental solutions.
In order to convert microbial research into reasonably priced health products, it promoted increased cooperation between the government, businesses, and research institutes.
In addition, the society promoted more financing, OMICS technology capacity building, and private sector involvement in microbial biotechnology, noting that industrial uses in food safety, fermentation, biofuels, and waste management could also propel national prosperity.
“The implementation of microbial technologies is essential for safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and environmental future, as well as for resolving oil spill catastrophes,” the statement said.
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