The Federal Government has inaugurated a ministerial committee tasked with developing a comprehensive framework for the commercialisation of phytomedicine products in Nigeria.
The committee will also lead efforts to strengthen the phytomedicine value chain and bridge traditional and modern medicine through research, quality control, intellectual property protection, and product development.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, highlighted Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and longstanding tradition of using medicinal plants to manage and treat ailments. However, he noted that this resource remains underutilised and poorly integrated into the country’s healthcare and economic systems.
Salako reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, economic diversification, and wealth creation. He described the Phytomedicine Value Chain Initiative as a strategic policy that addresses both health and socio-economic goals. “The inauguration of this committee marks a defining moment in our efforts to reposition Nigeria’s healthcare system and diversify our economy through the structured development of phytomedicinal resources,” he said.
The initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities in plant conservation, cultivation, harvesting, and the industrial-scale production of herbal medicinal products. It also aims to enable Nigeria’s active participation in the booming global herbal medicine market, contributing significantly to national economic growth.
Among the committee’s core responsibilities are the following:
Identify phytomedicinal products with commercial potential.
Develop a roadmap for product research, standardisation, and market readiness.
Facilitate partnerships between traditional medicine practitioners, research institutions, and the private sector.
Recommend policy and regulatory reforms to create a business-friendly environment for phytomedicine commercialisation.
Ensure product safety and efficacy through compliance with global best practices and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Promote capacity building and knowledge exchange across the value chain.
Explore sustainable financing, including grants, venture capital, and international collaborations.
In his remarks, the committee’s chairman, Obi Adigwe, Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that high-quality, safe, and affordable phytomedicines are produced in Nigeria. He emphasized that this integrated model has gained international recognition and offers a blueprint for sustainable phytomedicine development.
“This initiative will not only elevate Nigeria’s healthcare strategy but also serve as a powerful driver of economic transformation,” Adigwe said.
The committee includes representatives from government agencies, the private sector, international partners including the World Health Organization as well as traditional and natural medicine practitioners, ensuring a diverse and collaborative approach.
