•NNMDA meets with Promotora de Agronomía, ICSAN and others
The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to locally produce a key ingredient called pharmaceutical grade starch for the production of solid medicines.
At a virtual stakeholder engagement meeting organized by the agency yesterday, the Director General of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje, highlighted the need for the Nigeria Value Addition Initiative. Cassava (CVAI).
The meeting served as a platform to involve key actors in the cultivation, processing and utilization of cassava, emphasizing the national importance of the project.
The Director General said the Cassava Value Addition Initiative (CVAI) aims to reduce foreign exchange losses, address critical healthcare needs and stimulate economic growth through job creation.
According to him, pharmaceutical components, including imported pharmaceutical starch, are ultimately reflected in the price of medicines and place an excessive burden on consumers, a challenge that the CVAI aims to address.
Emeje emphasized that the innovative project aligns with the vision of President Bola Tinubu's administration to foster innovation, self-reliance and value addition in the agriculture and health sectors.
Recognizing the possible resistance from some industry players considering the volume of pharmaceutical starch import involved, the DG outlined a multi-pronged approach to overcome the challenges.
To address opposition driven by profit motives or status quo preferences, the NNMDA will rely on sound scientific research, public engagement and strategic collaborations with local and international partners, he said.
It 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 benefits of the initiative, empower local communities and demonstrate tangible improvements to gain public and industry support,” he said.
Segun Ladele, an official of the Cassava Industry Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN), 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 that address local needs and are willing to contribute expertise and resources to this effort. “Our members are listening and eager to get more involved,” he said.
Ladele also advocated for legislative support for the initiative to encourage investment while curbing imports.
Josephine Fasekun, promoter of the project to expand excellence in agronomy at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), highlighted the importance of capacity development for farmers, particularly in the cultivation of cassava for medicinal use.
He noted that the initiative aligns with IITA's work in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and beyond.
Other participants expressed their support for the initiative and pledged to participate fully to ensure its success for the ultimate benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
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