The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has unveiled seven scientifically developed indigenous herbal medicines by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to commercialise research outputs, promote indigenous innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare and bio-economy. The products, developed through rigorous scientific research, are designed for the management of hepatitis B, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, male sexual health disorders, and cancers including prostate, colorectal and ovarian cancers. The unveiling was performed by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, during a working visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Minister described Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and medicinal plants as strategic national assets capable of transforming healthcare delivery and driving economic growth when harnessed through science, research and innovation. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to accelerating the commercialisation of indigenous research in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the newly unveiled products demonstrate the enormous potential of Nigerian scientists to deliver globally competitive, home-grown solutions.
Dr. Udeh also announced Federal Government support for the immediate establishment of the proposed Clinical Observational Research Centre through innovative financing mechanisms, including strategic private-sector partnerships and research grants. He stressed that the Ministry would not wait for the 2027 budget cycle before taking action, emphasizing that strengthening clinical research infrastructure is essential to validating indigenous medical innovations, attracting investment and expanding market opportunities for Nigerian-developed products.
The Minister further disclosed that the herbal medicines would be integrated into the Ministry’s research commercialisation framework to accelerate their transition from laboratories to the marketplace. According to him, commercialising indigenous innovations will reduce dependence on imported pharmaceuticals, stimulate local manufacturing, create high-value jobs, improve healthcare outcomes and position Nigeria as a leading hub for natural medicine research and production in Africa.
Earlier, the Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, said the Agency has produced over 22 scientifically developed herbal medicines from Nigeria’s medicinal plants since 2023 through sustained research, quality assurance and standardisation. He explained that the newly unveiled products—including remedies for hepatitis B, peptic ulcer disease, cholesterol management, hypertension, male sexual health, selected cancers and a scientifically formulated Zobo Tea—have been developed into modern dosage forms such as tablets, capsules and syrups, while further clinical studies will continue to strengthen their evidence base for wider medical application.
Also speaking, India’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Shri Chandramouli Kannan, underscored the vast opportunities for collaboration between Nigeria and India in medicinal plant research, scientific validation of traditional medicine, quality assurance, biodiversity conservation, capacity building, entrepreneurship and innovation. He expressed confidence that stronger bilateral cooperation would accelerate the development of globally competitive natural medicine products, reinforcing FMIST’s vision of leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to improve national health security and drive sustainable economic development.
Mrs. Pauline Sule
Head, Press and Public Relations.
