The Federal Government has deepened its bilateral engagement with the People’s Republic of China on traditional medicine, dispatching a 25-member delegation to Beijing for advanced training and knowledge exchange.
The initiative, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in traditional medicine research, phytomedicine development, and scientific innovation.
Speaking ahead of the delegation’s departure on June 29, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, urged participants to uphold Nigeria’s values during their two-week training programme in China.
He said, “You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You must demonstrate diligence, hard work, and integrity throughout your engagement in China.”
The delegation, described as an all-of-society team, comprises scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and traditional medicine practitioners. They are expected to engage with leading experts at the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials.
The ministry said the programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to unlock the phytomedicine value chain and build local capacity for producing safe, effective, and evidence-based traditional medicines.
The training will cover international standards in traditional medicine development, research management, modern production techniques, and commercialisation strategies. Participants will also gain practical experience in diagnostic and treatment approaches across fields such as dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics, and internal medicine.
Earlier, Salako inaugurated a national committee on phytomedicine development and commercialisation to drive reforms in the sector. The China study tour is one of the committee’s key initiatives to align Nigeria with global best practices.
The Principal Investigator of the programme, Dr Obi Adigwe, described the partnership as a major step towards building indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
“Through this collaboration, Nigerian scientists will gain valuable knowledge and practical experience that can accelerate innovation, strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, and improve access to affordable medicines,” Adigwe said.
He added that the initiative supports the Federal Government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for phytomedicine research in Africa, leveraging existing institutions such as the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.
The ministry noted that the partnership underscores the growing global recognition of traditional medicine as a vital component of healthcare systems and highlights the role of international collaboration in advancing sustainable health solutions.
It added that the programme is expected to boost Nigeria’s medicines security, enhance local pharmaceutical production, create jobs, and support long-term growth in the health sector.