The Nigerian Society for Microbiology, NSM, has called on government and industry stakeholders to adopt microbial innovations as sustainable solutions to oil spills and other environmental challenges confronting the nation.

Rising from its 47th Annual General Meeting, AGM, at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, the society stressed that microbes remain indispensable in bioremediation and restoration of degraded ecosystems.

In a communiqué signed by its President, Prof. Saleh Ado, the group said the persistent environmental devastation in the Niger Delta and other oil-producing regions could be tackled more effectively through microbial applications that break down pollutants and restore balance to affected ecosystems.

The microbiologists also highlighted the potential of plant microbiomes in advancing climate-smart agriculture, improving soil fertility, and boosting food productivity.

They urged policymakers to integrate microbial technologies into Nigeria’s food security strategies.

Beyond environmental solutions, the NSM noted that microbial bio-innovations hold promise for the health sector, especially in the discovery of new antibiotics, vaccines, probiotics, and therapeutics.

It encouraged greater collaboration between government, industries, and research institutions to translate microbial research into affordable health products.

The society further advocated increased funding, capacity building in OMICS technologies, and private sector participation in microbial biotechnology, adding that industrial applications in fermentation, biofuels, waste management, and food safety could also drive national prosperity.

“The adoption of microbial technologies is vital not only for resolving oil spill disasters but also for securing Nigeria’s economic and environmental future,” the communiqué stated.

Microbiologists push microbial solutions for oil spills, food security