The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare inaugurated a Ministerial committee for the development of Phytomedicine Value Chain that will integrate traditional and modern medicine.
It also emphasized that the Committee will lay the foundation for a thriving phytomedicine industry that supports health outcomes, boosts rural livelihoods and, contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare revealed while inaugurating the Committee.
Speaking further, the Minister stated that the inauguration of the committee is a testament of the current administration’s commitment to advancing the Phytomedicine value chain initiative through the Ministry, to achieve universal health coverage, economic diversification, employment opportunities and, wealth creation.
“This is not just a health policy; it is also a socio-economic policy”.
“It is envisaged that the commercialization of the phytomedicine value chain will provide jobs in the area of conservation, cultivation and harvesting of medicinal plants and, the production of herbal medicinal products locally at the industrial scale”; he further asserted.
To strengthen government’s deliberate objectives in the development and commercialization of Nigeria’s rich phytomedicinal resources; Dr Salako pointed out that the Ministry will harness Nigeria’s vast bio-diversity and traditional use of medicinal plants and natural medicine to treat and manage various ailments.
He said, “This will ensure Nigeria’s participation in the fast -growing global market for herbal medicinal products and it’s contribution to our national economy”.
Speaking, Dr. Obi Adigwe Chairman Committee and Director-General NIPRD, asserted that the Committee will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that high quality, safe, efficacious and affordable phytomedicines become both a pillar of Nigeria’s healthcare strategy and a driving force for economic transformation.
“We will lead every step of the value chain: from discovery and formulation to clinical validation, quality assurance and global export. We will create high-value employment, build robust capacity, secure revenue streams and, above all, improve health outcomes for Nigerians”, Dr. Adigwe added.
Membership of the Committee comprise government officials, private sector and international partners which include World Health Organization representative and, Traditional & Natural Medicine Practitioners.
Terms of Reference for the committee:
a. To develop a comprehensive framework for the commercialization of phytomedicine products in Nigeria
b. To identify key pythomedicinal products with commercial potential
c. To propose policy reforms and regulatory mechanisms
d. To create pathways for capacity building and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the phytomedicine value chain- including traditional healers, scientists, pharmacists and, entrepreneurs
e. To recommend sustainable financing and investment models
f. To ensure alignment with national health strategies and global health practices, in line with WHO guidelines on traditional medicine.
Signed
Alaba Balogun
Deputy Director
Information & Public Relations
06 May 2025
