Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in a strategic bilaterial partnership with the People’s Republic of China, is sending one of the biggest delegations to the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials. This was contained in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.
The partnership, which centres on knowledge exchange and capacity building, aims at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in traditional medicine research, phytomedicine development, and scientific innovation.
Ahead of the 29th June departure, the Hon. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako exhorted the 25 man Nigerian delegation to serve as ambassadors who espouse the Nigerian spirit of diligence, hard-work and integrity, throughout their two week course in Beijing, China.
The all-of–society delegation, comprising scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and traditional medicine specialists, will engage with leading Chinese traditional medicine experts. The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to unlock the phytomedicine value chain and strengthen local capacity for the development of safe, effective, and evidence-based traditional medicines.
Earlier in the administration, Hon. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, had inaugurated the National Committee on phytomedicines development and commercialization. The knowledge exchange study tour is part of the committee’s efforts to engage international best practices in traditional medicine research, development, and commercialization. Participants will receive training in modern approaches to traditional medicine production and gain practical experience in areas critical to advancing Nigeria’s health sector.
Key areas of the training and capacity building program include:
•International standards and capacity building related to innovative and emerging concepts in traditional medicine development.
•Scientific research management and recent advances in traditional medicine production and commercialization strategies.
•Traditional medicine diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies for common conditions in dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, and related fields.
The expected outcomes of the exchange program include facilitation of technology transfer; strengthening research and development capacities; promotion of scientific collaboration; and support for the development of world-class traditional medicines.
Speaking on the initiative, the Principal Investigator of the grant, Dr Obi Adigwe, affirms that the partnership represents an important milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build indigenous capacity in phytomedicine development and commercialization. “Through this collaboration, Nigerian scientists will gain valuable knowledge and practical experience that can accelerate innovation, strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, and improve access to affordable medicines.”he assured.
Adigwe, who also chairs the Ministerial Committee, further noted that the collaboration supports the Federal Government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading centre for phytomedicine research and development in Africa. This vision is anchored on the existing capacity at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.
The Nigeria–China partnership reflects the growing recognition of traditional medicine as an important component of healthcare systems globally and highlights the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific research, knowledge exchange, and sustainable healthcare solutions.
The programme is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s medicines security agenda, local pharma sector development, job creation, capacity building, and the long-term sustainable growth of the country’s healthcare sector.
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