Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has urged the Federal Government to adopt microbial solutions in tackling oil spills, waste degradation and other environmental challenges.
The group made the remark in a communique signed by its president, Prof. Saleh Ado, and issued to newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The communique was issued at the end of the 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society at the University of Cross River (UniCross).
The society said that microbes played critical roles in bioremediation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and could be very useful to a nation like Nigeria which is still grappling with environmental challenges.
According to them, harnessing plant microbiomes is key to developing climate-smart agriculture, improving soil fertility, and enhancing food productivity.
They advocated policies that would integrate microbial innovations into national food security strategies to boost food production.
In the food safety and pubic health sector, the society said that innovative microbial control technologies, including peptide-based methods, were vital in ensuring food safety and reducing food-borne diseases.
Speaking further, they noted that microbial bio-innovations could revolutionise Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector through the discovery of novel antibiotics, vaccines, probiotics, and microbial therapeutics.
They urged governments, industries, and research institutes to foster collaborations that translate microbial research into affordable and accessible health solutions.
The society added that industrial applications of microbes in fermentation, biofuels, waste management, and bioprocessing could boost Nigeria’s economy.
It further appealed for increased funding and private sector involvement in industrial microbiology research.
“Microbial innovations hold immense potential in healthcare delivery, agriculture, food security, environmental restoration, and industrial development.
“We call for greater investment in microbial biotechnology and entrepreneurial microbiology to promote a healthier society and sustainable economic prosperity,” they said.
By Christian Njoku