From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in a strategic bilateral partnership with the People’s Republic of China, is sending one of its largest delegations to the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials for a knowledge exchange programme.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the ministry said the partnership, which focuses on knowledge exchange and capacity building, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in traditional medicine research, phytomedicine development, and scientific innovation.
Ahead of the delegation’s departure on June 29, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, urged the 25-member Nigerian delegation to serve as worthy ambassadors by demonstrating diligence, hard work, and integrity throughout the two-week training programme in Beijing, China.
The delegation, comprising scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and traditional medicine specialists, will engage with leading Chinese experts in traditional medicine.
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, Dr. Salako inaugurated the National Committee on Phytomedicines Development and Commercialisation.
The knowledge exchange study tour is part of the committee’s efforts to adopt international best practices in traditional medicine research, development, and commercialisation.
Participants will receive training in modern approaches to traditional medicine production and gain practical experience in areas critical to advancing Nigeria’s health sector.
The training programme will focus on:
International standards and emerging concepts in traditional medicine development.
Scientific research management and recent advances in traditional medicine production and commercialisation.
Traditional medicine diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies for common conditions in dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, and related fields.
The expected outcomes of the programme include technology transfer, strengthened research and development capacity, enhanced 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, described the partnership as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build indigenous capacity in phytomedicine development and commercialisation.
“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 said.
Adigwe, who also chairs the Ministerial Committee, added that the collaboration supports the Federal Government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading centre for phytomedicine research and development in Africa.
He noted that this vision is anchored on the existing capacity of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).
The Nigeria-China partnership reflects the growing recognition of traditional medicine as an important component of healthcare systems worldwide and underscores 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, the development of the local pharmaceutical sector, job creation, capacity building, and the long-term sustainable growth of the country’s healthcare system.
