The Federal Government has expressed commitment to producing a critical ingredient called pharmaceutical-grade starch locally for solid medicine production.
This was disclosed by Professor Martins Emeje, the director general of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), during a virtual stakeholders’ meeting which the agency hosted on Saturday, where the don emphasised the necessity of the Cassava Value Addition Initiative (CVAI) in this regard.
The meeting served as a platform to involve key players in cassava cultivation, processing, and utilization, emphasizing the project’s national importance.
The DG sad the Cassava Value Addition Initiative (CVAI) aims to curtail foreign exchange losses, address critical healthcare needs, and stimulate economic growth by creating jobs.
According to him, pharmaceutical components including the imported pharmaceutical starch, ultimately reflected in the price of medicine places an undue burden on consumers, a challenge the CVAI intends to tackle.
Emeje emphasized that the groundbreaking project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s vision to foster innovation, self-reliance, and value addition across the agricultural and healthcare sectors.
Recognizing potential resistance from some industry players considering the volume of pharmaceuticals starch import involved, the DG outlined a multi-faceted approach to overcome the challenges.
To address opposition driven by profit motives or status quo preferences, the NNMDA will rely on robust scientific research, public engagement, and strategic collaborations with local and international partners, he said.
He also revealed plans to work closely with private-sector stakeholders and international organizations, ensuring compliance with health regulations and addressing anti-competitive practices.
“We will actively communicate the initiative’s benefits, empower local communities, and demonstrate tangible improvements to win public and industry support,” he said.
Speaking also, an official of the Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN), Segun Ladele expressed support for the initiative, noting that members are already involved in cassava processing, including starch and flour production.
He acknowledged the growing demand for cassava and the challenges it presents but expressed confidence in the country’s ability to meet it with sufficient investment and collaboration.
“We support indigenous initiatives addressing local needs and are ready to contribute expertise and resources to this effort. Our members are listening and eager to engage further,” he said.
Ladele also advocated for legislative backing for the initiative to encourage investment while curbing imports.
A Scaling Promoter of Excellence in Agronomy project at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Josephine Fasekun highlighted the importance of capacity building for farmers, particularly in cultivating cassava for medicinal use.
She noted that the initiative aligns with IITA’s work across Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and beyond.
Other participants expressed support for the initiative, pledging full participation to ensure its success for the ultimate benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
