Rose Suniso Maxwell Gidado, Ph.D.

Deputy Director
Agricultural Biotechnology Department at NABDA under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja

Dr. Gidado started her public service career at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja as a Research Assistant in the Advanced Biotechnology laboratory in 2001. In 2002, she transferred to the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA). Currently she is a Deputy Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department at NABDA under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja and also the Country Coordinator, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, where she is actively involved in outreach to increase public understanding of biotechnology and biosafety locally and internationally on issues like policies, regulations, communication, business, ethics, religion and education.

Dr. Gidado was involved in the review of draft Nigerian National Biosafety Regulations, National Biosafety Containment Guidelines, National Biosafety Communication Strategy and the last edition of the Nigeria Biosafety Guidelines. Furthermore, she has played very active role in the review and validation of national Biosafety guidelines and regulations among which is genome editing.

Dr. Gidado has also facilitated and mobilized funds for Biotechnology and Biosafety awareness creation from both national and international Donor Organizations. she recognizes and understands the role of science and technology for human advancement by improving human health, nutrition and economic growth, particularly the potential impacts of biotechnology on agriculture in Nigeria. Therefore, she is passionate about making Nigeria and Africa more food and nutrition secure, as well as promoting public understanding of science and modern biotechnology. Her mission through the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Nigeria, is to drive advocacy campaigns, enhance knowledge sharing on agricultural biotechnology and dispel misconceptions about genetic modification technology. She intends to promote inclusive communication strategies between all stakeholders in the industry, for policy makers to make informed decisions towards ensuring a food secured Nigeria in the face of frightening global food insecurity.