...says Nigeria can't be left in global market for herbal medicinal products
Salako, who stated this while inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on the Development of Phytomedicine Value Chain, on Monday, at his office in Abuja, was optimistic that the commercialization of 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.
The Minister explained further that the inauguration of the Committee was a giant leap towards the collective effort to reposition Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and diversify the nation's economic base through the structured development and commercialization of her rich phytomedicinal resources.
Salako observed that Nigeria is blessed with vast biodiversity and the traditional use of medicinal plants and natural medicine to treat and manage various ailments.
He, however, noted that this enormous resource has remained largely underutilized, undervalued, and insufficiently integrated into our mainstream health and economic systems.
The Minister said: "As part of the current administration’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, economic diversification and job creation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is advancing the Phytomedicine Value Chain Initiative. 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. This will ensure Nigeria’s participation in the fast-growing global market for herbal medicinal products and its contribution to our national economy.
"Accordingly, the establishment of this Ministerial Committee is a strategic step towards realizing a sustainable and globally competitive phytomedicine industry in Nigeria. It is designed to strengthen the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to unlock the healthcare value chain. I therefore expect a mutual working relationship and synergy with the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC)".
While giving the Ministerial Committee 7-point terms of reference, which includes development of a comprehensive framework for the commercialization of phytomedicine products in Nigeria and identification of key phytomedicinal products, with commercial potential and facilitate partnerships between traditional medicine practitioners, research institutions, and the private sector for product development, Salako charged the committee to deliver actionable results within defined timelines.
"Nigeria cannot afford to remain a net importer of health products while our indigenous knowledge systems and natural wealth lie dormant.
"We are confident that, with your collective expertise, patriotism, and commitment, this 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.
"Let us be bold in our vision and resolute in our actions. The world is moving rapidly toward the integration of traditional and modern medicine. Let Nigeria not lag behind — let us lead", the Health Minister submitted.
