Nigeria’s drive to commercialise indigenous medicines received a major boost on Tuesday as leading pharmaceutical companies pledged support to the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA).
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, assured the agency of the Federal Government’s commitment to taking locally developed herbal products to the market.
The assurance came during the Minister’s working visit to the NNMDA headquarters in Lagos, where he witnessed the unveiling of seven newly developed herbal products and held strategic discussions with industry leaders and the Consul General of India in Lagos on advancing Nigeria’s natural medicine sector.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NNMDA, Martins Emeje, described the occasion as another milestone in Nigeria’s quest to harness indigenous knowledge for healthcare delivery and economic development.
Emeje highlighted the agency’s achievements in research and product development, noting that NNMDA has developed 22 products within the last three years while strengthening collaborations with international research institutions.
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He said that the agency is seeking support to establish a Clinical Development Centre and a modern five-storey laboratory complex to accelerate the clinical validation and commercialisation of natural medicine products.
According to him, the agency’s research covers medicines for humans, livestock and plants, demonstrating the broad potential of natural medicine in addressing national health and agricultural challenges.
Among the products unveiled were herbal formulations targeting arthritis, malaria, diabetes, hepatitis B, high cholesterol, sickle cell disorder, cancer support and erectile dysfunction.
He explained that the products have undergone clinical evaluations and certification processes and the efficacy remains one of the strengths of Nigeria’s indigenous formulations.
The DG said NNMDA’s scientific approach embraces reverse pharmacology where traditional medicinal knowledge is scientifically investigated and validated, while ensuring intellectual property protection for innovations developed by Nigerian researchers.
He also announced that the agency has established Nigeria’s first government-owned herbal pharmacy and has continued to expand public access to its products through its digital platforms.
Emeje further revealed that the African Herbal Pharmacopoeia is domiciled at the agency, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in the standardisation of herbal medicines across the continent.
He commended the dedication of NNMDA researchers, saying many work beyond regular hours despite the absence of call-duty and shift-duty allowances.
“Our researchers are committed because they understand the importance of what we are doing for Nigeria,” he said, explaining that the agency has continued to produce globally recognised scientists, including a postdoctoral fellow sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia.
The DG also pointed to the agency’s growing international recognition through collaborations with institutions in India, the United Kingdom and Ethiopia, stressing that researchers regularly engage with global counterparts to improve scientific standards.
Speaking after inspecting the agency’s facilities and interacting with stakeholders, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology commended NNMDA’s management and staff for transforming indigenous knowledge into commercially viable healthcare solutions.
He said the products unveiled have met the required standards and are ready for commercialisation, assuring that the ministry would provide the necessary policy and institutional support to move them from laboratories to the marketplace.
“What we have seen here today is not just for yourselves but for Nigeria and indeed Africa.
“Our focus now is to take these products to the market. They have commercial potential, they can generate revenue, create jobs and improve healthcare,” the Minister emphasised.
Mr Udeh said that resolutions reached during meetings with pharmaceutical companies and industry leaders would be documented with clear implementation timelines to ensure measurable progress.
“We will put everything in writing with timelines and commitments. Beyond today’s discussions, we have the mental commitment to ensure the next steps are taken,” he explained.
The Minister said the Federal Government is committed to establishing a functional herbal medicine manufacturing industry in Nigeria capable of competing globally while improving healthcare access and promoting health equity.
He also applauded the Government of India for its longstanding support for the agency in terms of research exchanges, expressing optimism that both countries would deepen cooperation in natural medicine research and commercialisation.
“I commend India for the training opportunities and support they have consistently provided.
There is no reason to be afraid of expanding this relationship because we can all grow together,” he said.
The Minister further said that the commercialisation initiative enjoys the backing of the Presidency, including the support of the First Lady, as part of broader efforts to promote home-grown healthcare innovations.
Industry leaders who attended the meeting pledged to partner with NNMDA in scaling production, marketing and distribution of the newly unveiled products, a development expected to accelerate the agency’s commercialisation agenda.
The visit formed part of the minister’s three-day working tour of the agency from July 27 to 29, during which he assessed ongoing research activities and explored strategies to strengthen innovation, attract investment and position Nigeria as a regional hub for scientifically validated natural medicine.
