The Federal Government has pledged to support the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) with N100 million grant to boost research and development of traditional herbal medicines.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, made the pledge in Abuja on Friday at the occasion of the institute’s Research and Development Products Presentation.
The event also marks the end of tenure of the NIPRD Director-General, Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, which spans a period of eight years; 2009 to 2017.
It also showcases the achievements and challenges faced by the institute during this period in the area of research and development of traditional herbal products.
The minister said at the occasion that the funds would be used to set up a unit that would be dedicated to research and development of traditional herbal products in the institute.
Adewole gave NAFDAC 30 days ultimatum to approve all the products developed by the institute to enable it move for commercialisation and subsequent use by citizens.
The minister, who scored the institute high in its 30 years of existence, however challenged it to do more in the years to come.