FG inaugurates committee to boost phytomedicine value chain

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Ministerial Committee for the development of the phytomedicine value chain, aimed at integrating traditional and modern medicine while supporting improved health outcomes in Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated that the committee would lay the groundwork for a robust phytomedicine industry capable of enhancing rural livelihoods and contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

Dr Salako emphasised that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, repositioning Nigeria’s healthcare system, diversifying the economy, and generating wealth and employment opportunities.

“This initiative seeks to harness the country’s rich biodiversity and centuries-old knowledge of medicinal plants to develop a sustainable and globally competitive phytomedicine industry.

“The commercialisation of the phytomedicine value chain will create jobs in areas such as conservation, cultivation, harvesting, and the industrial-scale production of herbal medicinal products. It will also position Nigeria to compete in the rapidly growing global herbal medicine market,” he stated.

Dr Salako noted that the newly formed committee is responsible for establishing a comprehensive framework to drive the commercialisation of phytomedicines, covering research, standardisation, quality control, intellectual property rights, and market development.

“The committee’s terms of reference include identifying high-potential phytomedicinal products; fostering partnerships among traditional medicine practitioners, researchers, and private investors; proposing policy and regulatory reforms to support commercialisation; building stakeholder capacity and promoting knowledge exchange; and recommending sustainable financing models, including international collaborations and venture capital,” he added.

Chairman of the committee and Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe, affirmed the committee’s commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure that high-quality, safe, and affordable phytomedicines become a catalyst for economic transformation.

Dr Adigwe appealed to the minister for support through continuous engagement with development partners and regular field visits.

“This sector is projected to reach nearly $500 billion globally in the coming years. With Nigeria’s rich ecology, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge systems, we are well-placed not only to produce top-quality products but also to translate these into improved healthcare access, revenue generation, employment, and technology transfer,” he remarked.

The committee is made up of representatives from government, the private sector, and international organisations, including the World Health Organization and traditional and natural medicine practitioners.