ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

MISSION:

To use biotechnology for the improvement of quality of life within the carrying capacity of life support systems.

VISION:

(To responsibly use biotechnology to) meet the socio-economic needs of present generation without jeopardizing remote values and potentials of such resources as land, sea, air space, energy etc.

RESPONSIBILITY: The Department has responsibility to evolve sound and appropriate bio-based technologies for sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s rich bioresources aimed at ensuring environmental protection and safety, and resource conservation.

The main objectives are therefore to ensure:

Conservation of plants, animals and microbial genetic resources
Documentation of indigenous knowledge of our bioresources
Inventory of bioresources leading to development of database for Nigeria’s bioresources as well as information management and dissemination
Promotion of sustainable utilization of biological resources
Training and education of experts in the field of environmental management and bioresources conservation
Promotion and collaboration in environmental management practices and bioresources conservation issues with private and public sectors, researchers, industries and academia.
Promotion of waste to wealth technologies aimed at cleaner environment and resource recovery.

PROGRAMME/ACTIVITIES

To achieve the above objectives, the department has embarked on the following programmes and activities:

Establishment of type culture collection for conservation of our indigenous microbial resources. The potentials of microbial diversity have in recent times been highlighted by current advances in biotechnology and breakthroughs in scientific research. Establishment of type culture collections, developed alongside active taxonomical research and systematics provide essential basis for biotechnological and other applied research areas. Services that can be offered include training for skill acquisition in:

Rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms using modern tools, including electron microscopy and nucleic acid techniques.

Development of Database on Microorganisms in Nigeria
The exercise is an on-going one, being sponsored by National Authority on Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions.

Development of ‘Blue Print’ for sustainable utilization and management of Nigerian Bioresources
Nigeria is endowed with rich natural resources, a large percentage of which are bio-based. The need for the development of the blue print for sustainable utilization and management of the nation’s bioresources arose as a result of the disturbing trend of erosion in the genetic resources of Nigerian crop plants and animals, including wild life and their consequences on food security. The blue print will provide a roadmap that will spell out guidelines for responsible management and utilization of the threatened species in order to protect from going into extinction. Some wild lives are currently being domesticated and include ‘taca’ and grasscutter, otherwise known as ‘bush meat’. ‘Taca’ is a root crop harvested from the wild and popularly eaten in the Northern part of the country for its carbohydrate value. Apart from its nutritional value, it is also used as anti-coagulant, tableting agent and as effective treatment for diarrhea.

RESOURCE RECOVERY FROM WASTE

Bio-conversion of organic Municipal Solid Waste using anaerobic digester for methane generation and bio-fertilizer production

NABDA/FAO/OAU BIOGAS PROJECT

Popularization Of Biogas In Rural Settings
Production of biogas from municipal solid organic waste generated from households, garden wastes and animal dung.
Popularization of use of biogas for cooking as alternative to wood fuel in order to save our fast depleting forest trees thereby minimizing desert encroachment, gulley erosion and landslide.
Concrete semi-underground digester is used for anaerobic reduction/digestion of the organic material.

Concrete semi-underground digester	Biogas used for electricity.

Introduction of Ecological Sanitation to agro-based communities.

The global solution to sanitation problems is a shift to alternative management methods that put into consideration the present global water conditions and the need for nutrient and energy recovery. The methods involve an integrated design for water conservation and nutrient recovery through dry sanitation. Dry sanitation is the disposal of human waste without the use of water as a carrier. It is also known as a waterless toilet or Ecological sanitation, simply put as ecosan toilet. Prevailing water and environmental circumstances are the driving forces behind accepting this sanitation solution. Acceptance is widespread, with varying degrees of design complexity across Europe and America. In Africa, countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, Senegal, have adopted convenient models of ecosan for use in both emergency and peace times.

Ecosan toilet under construction

Urine diversion toilet and faeces collecting chamber

Bioremediation of polluted sites caused by oil spill and other pollutants.

Industrial waste water treatment and pollution control using bio-augmentation techniques.

Algal bloom in a natural lake caused by polluting nutrients discharge from nearby industries.

Collaboration with other Ministries/Organizations/Institutions

(i) UNESCO

Capacity building in Tissue Culture techniques
Inventory of endangered wildlife fauna in Nigeria.
Sustainable use of medicinal and aromatic plants at the Sukur World heritage site in Nigeria

(ii) Federal Ministry of Environment

Promotion of eco-sanitation