FG Launches Nigeria Genomic City Project, Eyes $300bn Economic Boost

The Federal Government has unveiled the Nigeria Genomic City Project, an initiative aimed at positioning the country as Africa’s leading hub for genomics, biotechnology and scientific innovation.

Presidential spokesperson, Dada Olusegun, disclosed the development in a statement shared via his official X handle on Saturday.

According to the statement, the project is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, advance scientific research and biotechnology, boost pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines and overseas clinical trials.

As part of the initiative, the University of Abuja has been designated as the host institution for the Nigeria Genomic City, which will serve as the country’s national centre for advanced genomic research and biotechnology.

The statement also revealed that the proposed National Research and Innovation Development Fund is expected to mobilise about $500 million annually to support research, innovation and scientific development across the country.

According to Olusegun, the project will harness Nigeria’s genetic biodiversity as a strategic asset to drive medical discoveries and economic growth.

He noted that the initiative has the potential to generate between $200 billion and $300 billion within five years.

The presidential spokesman further stated that the project is expected to create more than 640,000 direct jobs and about 2.5 million indirect jobs, making it one of the country’s largest innovation-driven employment initiatives.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Genomic City Project is “a landmark initiative aimed at positioning the country as Africa’s leading hub for genomics, biotechnology, and scientific innovation.”

It added that the initiative is “designed to strengthen healthcare, scientific research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development, while reducing reliance on imported medicines and overseas clinical trials.”

Olusegun said the project represents a strategic investment in knowledge, technology and human capital that will position Nigeria as a regional leader in genomic science and biotechnology while accelerating innovation-led economic growth.