A 25-member Nigerian delegation has commenced a two-week knowledge exchange programme at the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on phytomedicine and traditional medicine development.
   
The programme is designed to enhance research, innovation, technology transfer and local capacity in Nigeria’s health sector through collaboration with Chinese experts in traditional medicine.
  
Addressing the delegation, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, urged participants to serve as ambassadors of Nigeria by demonstrating diligence, hard work and integrity throughout the training in Beijing, China.
  
He said the programme would expose participants to key areas including scientific research management, advances in traditional medicine production, commercialisation strategies and diagnostic techniques.
  
Other areas of focus include treatment approaches for common conditions in dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics and internal medicine, as well as international standards and emerging concepts in traditional medicine development.
  
Salako said the delegation, comprising scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and traditional medicine specialists, would engage with leading Chinese experts to gain practical knowledge and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in the sector.
  
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to unlock the phytomedicine value chain and promote the development of safe, effective and evidence-based traditional medicines.
   
The minister had earlier inaugurated the National Committee on Phytomedicines Development and Commercialisation, with the study tour forming part of the committee’s efforts to adopt global best practices in research, development and commercialisation of traditional medicines.
  
Participants are expected to receive training on modern approaches to traditional medicine production and gain practical experience in areas critical to advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
  
Expected outcomes of the programme include technology transfer, improved research and development capacity, stronger scientific collaboration and support to produce world-class traditional medicines.
  
Speaking on the initiative, Principal Investigator of the grant and Chairman of the ministerial committee, Dr Obi Adigwe, described the partnership as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build indigenous capacity in phytomedicine research and commercialisation.
 
“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,” he said.
  
Adigwe noted that the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading centre for phytomedicine research and development in Africa, leveraging existing capacity at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.
  
He said the Nigeria-China collaboration reflects growing global recognition of traditional medicine as an important component of healthcare systems and highlights the role of international partnerships in advancing scientific research, knowledge exchange and sustainable healthcare solutions.
  
According to him, the programme will contribute to Nigeria’s medicines security agenda, support local pharmaceutical industry development, create employment opportunities, build technical capacity and promote long-term growth of the healthcare sector.