Dr Andrew Iloh, a scientist with the Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex says better packaging of herbal remedies will facilitate international acceptance.
Iloh made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
“Herbal medicine is an area of science that has a lot of potential in the country because in most parts of the country you can harvest one or more herbs that have the potential to cure several ailments.
“This is an area that has a lot of potential; if Nigeria wants to be a global player, we must be able to adapt international best practices to our processes in other to guarantee high standards.
“There are a lot of export opportunities; so adapting those strategies which include better packaging of products will help us grow our economy and create employment.
“Nigeria has abundant natural resources; which we should tap into wisely and sustainably to match global trends.
Iloh explained that in addition to better packaging, proper dosage, active ingredients and contraindications will build brand loyalty, as people will know the authenticity of the drugs.
“We already have the market here, even if we do not export, the population we have is a big market for any serious minded business person in the herbal medicine industry.
“So all they need to do is to synergies with agencies like the Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre to help them in the technology that will give a face lift to their products.
“Also they have to form a forum that can speak for them as an entity and liaise with other agencies that are involved in marketing to propagate their products,’’ he said.
Iloh stressed the effectiveness of most herbal medicine, saying that people do not patronise them because they are unsure of its contents, authenticity and efficacy due to poor packaging.
The Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, is a department under the Sheda Science and Technology Complex; a research parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
Research results from the centre are applied in the areas of agriculture, health, industry and the environment, which utilises modern technology for the advancement of the country’s socio-economic development. (NAN)