Section 7: Functions of the Agency.

The Agency shall-(a) carry out a research and development on biotechnology in priority areas of food, agriculture, health, industry, environment and other strategic sectors for national development, and draw up programmes and policies for biotechnology utilisation in Nigeria;
(b) promote, co-ordinate and deploy cutting edge biotechnology research and development activities in Nigeria;
(c) initiate and encourage capacity building in all aspects of biotechnology required for the implementation of the national biotechnology programme;
(d) publish and disseminate research findings and recommendations of the Agency on biotechnology;
(e) promote sustenance in the development and application of acceptable and profitable technologies through strategic investments in biotechnology research and development, to support innovation and economic development and ensure Nigeria becomes self-reliant in the development and application of biotechnology-based products and services;
(f) encourage private sector participation in the biotechnology industry;
(g) ensure sustainable mechanism for adequate funding of biotechnology activities through national and international funding agencies;
(h) establish and supervise relevant centres for the purpose of executing the national biotechnology programmes;
(i) create public awareness and participation in biotechnology development activities through strong advocacy programme, seminars, conferences and workshops;
(j) collaborate on biotechnology with international research centers, nongovernmental organisations, industries, national and international biotechnology agencies and institutions;
(k) stimulate biotechnology entrepreneurship schemes to effect rapid commercialisation of biotechnology research and development products;
(l) collaborate with and provide support for universities and other academic institutions in the country for research and development projects relevant to the national biotechnology programme;
(m) promote sustainable utilisation of biological resources and develop novel products to improve the production of our indigenous plants and animals;
(n) promote exploration, collection, identification, evaluation, characterisation, storage and conservation of rich stock of both animal and plant germplasm materials;
(o) encourage acquisition, maintenance, utilisation, exchange and dissemination of information on genetic materials of plants, animals and microbes;
(p) foster national co-ordination of genetic resources programme and its sustainable utilisation;
(q) foster relationship with other national satellite genetic research centres located in research institutes, universities and polytechnics as well as other international organisations and centres on programmes concerning genetic resources and biotechnology application;
(r) coordinate the activities of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breed and Fisheries;
(s) arrest rapid erosion and loss in the country’s crop and animal genetic resources caused by cultivation, urbanisation rural development, grazing, desertification, pest outbreak and national catastrophes;
(t) document appropriately the germplasm stocks held by the centre, research institutes and relevant organisations;
(u) co-coordinate all biotechnology activities and ensure easy access to stakeholders in matters relating to bioresources and biotechnology;
(v) serve as national bio informatics and biotechnology data center;
(w) be the national focal point for bioethics to which Nigeria subscribe; and
(x) undertake other activities as are necessary or expedient in the performance of the functions of the Agency and promotion of biotechnology in Nigeria.