NIPRD

DEPARTURE CEREMONY FOR THE NIGERIA-CHINA BILATERAL ENGAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE   June 26, 2026 | Abuja, Nigeria – As part of the strategic bilateral partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, the Federal Government is sending a 25-member multidisciplinary Nigerian delegation to the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials. 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 Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, charged the delegation to serve as worthy ambassadors of the nation by exemplifying diligence, hard work, and integrity throughout the two-week 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 programme is one of the committee’s key initiatives to leverage international best practices in traditional medicine research, development, and commercialisation. Participants will receive training in modern approaches to traditional medicine production while gaining practical experience in areas critical to advancing Nigeria’s health sector.   Key areas of the training programme include: 1.     International standards and capacity building on innovative and emerging concepts in traditional medicine development. 2.     Scientific research management, as well as recent advances in traditional medicine production and commercialisation strategies 3.     Traditional medicine diagnostic techniques and treatment approaches for common conditions in dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, and related fields. The programme is expected to facilitate technology transfer, strengthen research and development capacity, promote scientific collaboration, and support the development of world-class traditional medicines.   Speaking on the initiative, the Principal Investigator of the grant, Dr. Obi Adigwe, described the partnership as an important milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build indigenous capacity in phytomedicine development and commercialisation. He noted that the collaboration will equip Nigerian scientists with valuable knowledge and practical experience to accelerate innovation, strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, and improve access to affordable medicines. Dr. Adigwe, who also chairs the Ministerial Committee, further said that the collaboration supports the Federal Government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading centre for phytomedicine research and development in Africa by leveraging the existing capacity of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development. The Nigeria-China partnership reflects the growing global recognition of traditional medicine as a critical component of healthcare systems and underscores the value 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 by strengthening the local pharmaceutical sector, creating jobs, building national capacity, and supporting the long-term sustainable growth of the country’s healthcare sector.   – END –