By DAYO ADESULU
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) to address the rising proliferation of unregulated herbal drinks in the country, citing public health concerns.
Mr. Kabir Elelu, the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, made the plea during a one-day training webinar titled “Building a Transparent and Accountable Public Institution and Inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the NNMDA.”
Health Concerns Over Unregulated Herbal Concoctions
Elelu highlighted the health risks posed by the widespread sale of unregulated herbal mixtures, commonly referred to as “Ala Agbo,” which are often marketed by hawkers.
“Now, we have a high rate of liver cirrhosis and all kinds of diseases that can be associated with the intake of herbal concoctions. I want the agency to look into this and come out with a solution because it is a huge problem across the country,” Elelu said.
He urged the NNMDA to develop strategies to regulate and harness the benefits of natural medicines while safeguarding public health.
ICPC’s Broader Mandate
Elelu underscored the ICPC’s statutory roles under Section 6 of its Act, which include:
- Investigating corruption.
- Conducting system audits to prevent corruption.
- Educating the public on the dangers of corrupt practices.
He emphasized the importance of public servants leading by example in the fight against corruption, stating:
“Corruption has infiltrated every sector in Nigeria, resulting in insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and challenges in the oil and gas industry. As public servants, we must lead the fight against corruption, starting from our own spaces.”
NNMDA’s Commitment to Transparency
Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the NNMDA, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to transparency in research and development of natural medicines.
Emeje highlighted the inauguration of the agency’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as a milestone, noting:
“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. Within one and a half years, we have proven that Nigeria can do it transparently without stealing.”
Addressing Overreliance on Imported Medicines
Emeje attributed the erosion of traditional medicine practices to colonialism and corruption and emphasized the need to restore Nigeria’s self-reliance in medicine production. He called on Nigerians to be ambassadors of positive change and to project the country’s capabilities.
ACTU Inauguration
The event concluded with the inauguration of five ACTU members from the NNMDA. The members took an oath to uphold transparency and commit to combating corruption within the agency and beyond.
The ICPC commended the NNMDA for consistently scoring above 70% on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard and encouraged the agency to further its efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.
