Lagos: The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has introduced two natural medicine products and provided malaria prevention kits to military and paramilitary agencies. This presentation was made by the Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, in Lagos, marking the two-year anniversary of his administration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Emeje highlighted the agency’s nationwide initiative focused on utilizing the country’s biodiversity to develop natural medicine. He referenced the efforts made in 2024 by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who unveiled several products and technological foundations under the agency’s purview. Emphasizing the potential of natural solutions, Emeje mentioned the development of products for sickle cell, diabetes, immune boosting, and anti-aging.
Emeje announced the launch of three new products, although they were not unveiled during the event, as the agency intends for the President to officiate the launch. He revealed the development of Peptic oxide and a natural product for Hepatitis B, both significant pollutants in Africa. The application of nanotechnology has been pivotal, particularly in creating an antidiarrheal product, which garnered an award at a national scientific conference.
Emeje stressed the agency’s long-standing presence since 1997 and its transformation into a productive entity. NNMDA has identified 9,000 electoral wards across Nigeria’s local governments to engage traditional medical practitioners and communities for documentation and development of natural medicine products. The Director-General urged private sector collaboration to drive research and development, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s natural resources for economic growth.
The agency is dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s natural medicine industry, ensuring international standards, and has established a national database for traditional medical practitioners and products to facilitate access. Emeje expressed gratitude to the National Assembly and media for their support, committing to further improve Nigerian lives through natural medicine.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, through Dr. Bose Salami, ACP, commended Emeje’s dedication to natural medicine, impacting public health positively. Similarly, Col. Samson Idowu, represented by Maj.-Gen F.U. Mijinyawa, praised NNMDA’s visionary leadership, its integration of traditional knowledge into scientific research, and urged the agency to continue raising awareness.
The Comptroller of Immigration Service’s representative, B.A. Lawson, S.I. Bikini-Rossi, noted the agency’s proactive approach to national health challenges like malaria and encouraged addressing other critical health areas. The event, chaired by Mr. Samuel Bibinu, highlighted the significant progress under Emeje’s leadership, with free malaria kits distributed to visitors as a key highlight.