As part of its response to reduce the high cost of orthodox medications in the country, the Federal Government says it will invest more funds into research of natural medicines.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, made this remark at the unveiling of four natural medicines produced by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, NNMDA, in Lagos.
The Minister who was on a working visit to the agency expressed delight at the level of professionalism in the production of the medications.
Chief Nnaji said plans are underway to make available, research development fund, which will foster scientific innovations.
He said, ”When the research development funds is available, most of the current issues facing science and innovation will be addressed. When I became Minister, I said my key area is to commercialise what we have on the shelves”.
Chief Nnaji who stated that the President Tinubu administration is committed to supporting sciences called for more patronage for traditional medicines.
“You see this products here for infections can replace Augmentin and it is less than one thousand naira, these are the kind of innovations we want in science and technology and that’s why President Tinubu said science remains key to national development “he added.
Director General and Chief Executive of Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, NNMDA, Professor Martins Emeje said the Agency’s research farms across the country are generating positive results, pointing out that the products are medically proven.
He stated that, ”Nature is the best laboratory in the world, but pride has not made many in the field study it”.
Professor Emeje pointed out that natural medicine had the potential of creating at least two million jobs.
“It is about both the private and the public sector, because in other countries of the world where we are bringing these medicines into the country, if you notice, the private sector is responsible for funding to a large extent research and development, so after the outcome, they have right to the products, same way the COVID-19 vaccine we took in Nigeria was produced by Oxford University, which is a public institution but was funded by Astrazeneca which is a private company”, he noted.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the new natural medicine produced by the agency to the minister.
