The Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) has been advised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to address the country’s unregulated herbal drink proliferation.
At a one-day training webinar called “Building a Transparent and Accountable Public Institution and Inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the NNMDA,” Mr. Kabir Elelu, the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, made the call.
Elelu voiced alarm about hawkers’ unregulated sale of herbal combinations, often known as “Ala Agbo,” pointing out that ingesting such medicines carries serious health hazards.
He said, “One particular area I want you to look at is the area of this natural medicine; how do we harness them and protect public health?
“You also need to look at how it has been bastardised by hawkers and some of them are killing our people.
“I want the agency to look into this and come out with a solution because it is a huge problem; it is a problem in all areas of the country with all kinds of concoctions that are killing our people.
“Now, we have a high rate of liver cirrhosis and all kinds of diseases that can be associated with the intake of herbal concoctions.’’
Elelu emphasised the ICPC’s responsibilities under Section 6 of its Act, which include looking into corruption, preventing it through system audits, and informing the public about its risks.
In order to fight corruption, he highlighted the value of ethics, honesty, and diligent public service.
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“As public servants, we must lead the fight against corruption, starting from our own spaces,” he said.
Elelu praised the NNMDA for continuously scoring above 70% on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, demonstrating its credible performance.
However, the commissioner called on the agency to step up its efforts to advance openness.
The NNMDA’s Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to openness in the development of natural medicines and research.
Emeje hailed the ACTU members’ inauguration as a major step in promoting openness and combating corruption.
“With transparency, we are driving the principle of Renewal of Hope to develop natural medicines.
“Most of our medicines are imported and that is the narrative we are changing; so, within one and a half years, we have proven that Nigeria can do it transparently without stealing,” He said.
He bemoaned the excessive dependence on foreign medications, blaming it on the decline of traditional remedies brought on by colonisation and corruption.
According to the director-general, Nigerians ought to be excellent representatives of their nation, promoting its positive narratives.
The inauguration of five ACTU members from NNMDA’s ICPC team was the event’s high point.