The Federal Government will send a 25-member delegation to China for a two-week knowledge exchange programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in traditional medicine research, phytomedicine development and scientific innovation.
According to a press release issued on Saturday by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the delegation will depart for Beijing on June 29 under a strategic bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
The team, comprising scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and traditional medicine specialists, will undergo training at the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials, where they will engage with leading Chinese experts on modern research, production and commercialization of traditional medicines.
Ahead of the trip, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, urged the participants to serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria by demonstrating diligence, hard work and integrity throughout the training.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s phytomedicine value chain, promote scientific innovation and support the development of safe, effective and evidence-based traditional medicines.
Salako noted that the study tour builds on the work of the National Committee on Phytomedicines Development and Commercialization, inaugurated earlier to advance research, development and commercialization of indigenous medicinal products.
The participants will receive training on international standards in traditional medicine development, scientific research management, commercialization strategies, and diagnostic and treatment approaches covering dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine and related fields.
Principal Investigator of the grant and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee, Dr. Obi Adigwe, described the collaboration as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to build indigenous expertise in phytomedicine development and commercialization.
He said the training would equip Nigerian scientists with practical knowledge to accelerate innovation, strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing and improve access to affordable medicines.
Adigwe added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for phytomedicine research and development in Africa by leveraging the existing capacity of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.
The Federal Government expressed confidence that the initiative would facilitate technology transfer, deepen scientific collaboration, strengthen research and development, enhance medicines security, create jobs and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
