Professor of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology, Augustine Anayochukwu Onyeaghala, has said that for Nigeria to maximize the potential of its natural products in the health sector, there is a need for the country to adopt a government-private sector approach in improving its healthcare delivery.

Speaking at Chrisland University’s fourth inaugural lecture in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Onyeaghala disclosed that the shortage of laboratory equipment is another factor militating against the growth of research and development in Nigeria.

“There is also a shortage of specialized laboratory facilities. For example, maintaining cell lines for biomedical research requires ultra-low temperature storage systems operating at approximately minus 80 degrees Celsius, alongside an uninterrupted power supply. Such facilities are not always readily available, limiting the scope and quality of research that can be conducted locally,” he said.

Prof. Onyeaghala urged the government to make a significant difference by increasing budgetary allocations, specifically for research and development, saying that greater investment in scientific infrastructure and funding mechanisms would enable researchers to generate the evidence needed to support the development of natural products.

He added that taking a new natural product from discovery to clinical trials is one of the most expensive and delicate stages of the research process, noting that while researchers continue to generate promising results, funding remains a major challenge.

He identified that adequate financial support is a necessary tool to conduct large-scale studies, establish clinical evidence, ensure quality control, as well as to secure regulatory approval for products that can benefit the wider public.

“It is important to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), not only at the stage where a drug or pharmaceutical product is produced but throughout the entire production chain. This includes quality control processes, quality assurance systems, and compliance mechanisms that ensure every product manufactured meets internationally accepted standards,” he said.

According to him, “when these systems are properly implemented, any product that leaves a manufacturing facility can be confidently accepted both within Nigeria and internationally.

“Regulatory agencies and consumers around the world will have confidence that such products meet the required standards for safety, quality, and efficacy.
Best practices must extend beyond the finished product to cover the entire manufacturing ecosystem.”

The professor emphasized the need for the government to formulate policies that will support local manufacturers by creating an enabling environment that encourages investment in pharmaceutical production and discourages unnecessary dependence on imports.

He pointed out that studies conducted over several years have consistently shown that a significant proportion of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products consumed in Nigeria are imported.

He further stated that the country’s dependence places enormous pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves and exposes the healthcare sector to external supply disruptions.

The varsity don reiterated the need for Nigeria to invest strategically in pharmaceutical infrastructure, noting that the country can significantly reduce its reliance on imported medicines and healthcare products.

“We have the capacity to manufacture many of the drugs and natural health products required by our population,” Onyeaghala said.

He noted that several Nigerian researchers and professionals are already making valuable contributions in leading institutions across Europe, stressing that their expertise can be leveraged upon to strengthen local capacity and accelerate technological advancement in the sector.

He also revealed that Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing and natural product development in Africa, noting that achieving this goal will require deliberate investments in research, innovation, technology transfer, and industrial development.

“Another important area is the development of local expertise. Research and development should be driven by Nigerian scientists and institutions. When expertise is constantly sourced from outside the country, it contributes to capital flight, as substantial resources are spent on services that could potentially be provided locally. Building local capacity will not only reduce costs but also strengthen the nation’s scientific and technological foundation,” Onyeaghala added.

He further called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, provide clear policy direction and sustained support for research, manufacturing, and innovation.

“By investing in infrastructure, human capital, and regulatory systems, Nigeria can establish a globally competitive pharmaceutical industry capable of meeting domestic needs and contributing significantly to economic growth,” Onyeaghala said.

“In my view, it is largely about political will, We already have substantial data showing that many indigenous plants are highly effective in managing various health conditions. Take ginger, garlic, and turmeric, for example. These natural products have been used for generations, and their benefits are well documented.”