The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) to tackle the widespread distribution of unregulated herbal drinks in Nigeria.
Speaking 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,” ICPC Lagos State Resident Commissioner, Mr. Kabir Elelu, expressed concerns over the unchecked sale of herbal concoctions, commonly referred to as “Ala Agbo.”
Elelu noted that the consumption of these substances poses significant health risks, including liver cirrhosis and other diseases. He called for immediate intervention by the NNMDA to regulate and ensure public health safety.
“One critical area I urge you to focus on is harnessing natural medicines to protect public health,” Elelu said. “The proliferation of unregulated herbal mixtures, often sold by hawkers, has become a major problem across the country, with concoctions causing severe harm to our people.”
Highlighting the ICPC’s role under Section 6 of its Act, Elelu outlined the commission’s responsibility to investigate corruption, conduct system audits, and educate the public on its risks. He emphasized ethics, integrity, and public service diligence as essential tools in combating corruption.
“Corruption has infiltrated every sector in Nigeria, leading to insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and challenges in the oil and gas industry. Public servants must lead the charge against corruption, starting from their respective spaces,” Elelu added.
He commended the NNMDA for consistently scoring above 70% on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard but urged the agency to intensify its efforts in promoting transparency.
Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the NNMDA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency in research and natural medicine development. Speaking at the event, Emeje described the inauguration of the ACTU members as a step forward in fostering transparency and combating corruption.
“With transparency, we are championing the principles of Renewal of Hope to develop natural medicines. Most medicines in Nigeria are imported, but we are working to change that narrative. Within 18 months, we have demonstrated that Nigeria can achieve progress transparently and ethically,” Emeje said.
He lamented Nigeria’s overreliance on imported medicines, attributing it to the decline of traditional medicine due to colonialism and corruption. Emeje called on Nigerians to be positive ambassadors for the country.
The event concluded with the inauguration of five ACTU members from the NNMDA by the ICPC team. These members took an oath to uphold transparency and remain committed to the anti-corruption agenda within the agency and beyond.
Peoplesmind
