The Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe, has said that the Nigerian government is now taking concrete steps to develop and commercialise phytomedicines in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday in Abuja, Adigwe described the current administration’s efforts as a marked shift from years of neglect and empty promises.
According to him, the government has demonstrated its commitment by establishing a ministerial committee on the development and commercialisation of phytomedicines, with NIPRD appointed to lead the process.
Phytomedicines—also known as herbal or botanical medicines—are plant-based products used for the treatment and prevention of diseases. While rooted in traditional practices, they are increasingly supported by scientific validation to guarantee their safety and efficacy.
Majority of Nigerians Rely on Phytomedicines
Adigwe noted that an estimated 70 to 75 percent of Nigerians rely on phytomedicines such as agbo, magani, and ogwu igbo when ill. Despite this widespread use, the sector had historically received minimal institutional support.
“For a long time, phytomedicines only got lip service, but this administration is taking bold, concrete steps,” he said.
“I must commend the Ministers of Health for driving this vision.”
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NIPRD’s Track Record in Innovation
Highlighting NIPRD’s achievements, Adigwe recalled the institute’s development of a sickle cell remedy derived from indigenous plants.
He also cited NIPRD’s scientific leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it conducted the world’s first scientific analysis of the controversial COVID Organics herbal preparation.
“That particular product put Nigeria on the map in terms of science and ensured that millions of dollars were not wasted on a product without scientific backing,” he said.
A Whole-of-Government Approach
Adigwe revealed that the newly inaugurated committee includes stakeholders from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine practitioners, public service, and the diaspora.
He said this composition reflected a multi-sectoral approach aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
“We are not just developing products in isolation.
“We’re integrating agriculture, small and medium enterprises, trade and investment, foreign partnerships—everything that can make phytomedicines a catalyst for health and economic development,” he explained.
He stressed that countries like China and India had successfully used phytomedicines to boost both public health and industrial growth.
With appropriate policy backing, research funding, and philanthropic support, Nigeria could achieve similar success.
Philanthropy and National Research
Adigwe called on wealthy Nigerians to support health research by funding scientific innovation rather than limiting philanthropy to food donations.
“We have billionaires here with the same capacity as John Rockefeller.
“Instead of limiting philanthropy to food handouts, they can invest in scientific research that benefits future generations,” he urged.
He said the new framework would benefit not only NIPRD, but also Nigeria’s over 200 universities, more than 150 local pharmaceutical manufacturers, and millions of Nigerians who rely on traditional remedies.
Citizen Participation Encouraged
To ensure inclusiveness, Adigwe noted that the committee was conducting nationwide data collection and encouraging public input from users of traditional medicine.
“If you’ve used ‘agbo or ogwu igbo’, your opinion counts.
“We have a questionnaire on the NIPRD website, www.niprd.gov.ng, and we want every Nigerian to participate,” he concluded.