The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) to address the proliferation of unregulated herbal drinks in the country.
The ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, Mr. Kabir Elelu, made the call at 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.”
Elelu expressed worries over the unchecked sale of herbal mixtures, commonly referred to as “Ala Agbo,” by hawkers, stressing that the consumption of such substances poses severe health risks.
Quoting Elelu, “One particular area I want you to look at is the area of this natural medicine; how do we harness them and protect public health?
“You also need to look at how it has been bastardized by hawkers and some of them are killing our people. I want the agency to look into this and come out with a solution because it is a huge problem; it is a problem in all areas of the country with all kinds of concoctions that are killing our people.
“Now, we have a high rate of liver cirrhosis and all kinds of diseases that can be associated with the intake of herbal concoctions.’’
Elelu, while highlighting the ICPC’s mandate under Section 6 of its Act, explained the commission’s roles in investigating corruption, preventing it through system audits and educating the public on its dangers.
He further reiterated the importance of ethics, integrity, and public service diligence in combating corruption.
“Corruption has infiltrated every sector in Nigeria, resulting in insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and challenges in the oil and gas industry.
“As public servants, we must lead the fight against corruption, starting from our own spaces,” he asserted.
The resident commissioner commended the NNMDA for its credible performance on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, where it consistently scored above 70 per cent, and further urged the agency to intensify its efforts in promoting transparency.
The Director-General of the NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, also reiterated the agency’s commitment to transparency in research and natural medicine development. Describing the inauguration of ACTU members as a significant step toward fostering transparency and fighting corruption.
“With transparency, we are driving the principle of renewal of hope to develop natural medicines.
“Most of our medicines are imported and that is the narrative we are changing; so, within one and a half years, we have proven that Nigeria can do it transparently without stealing,” Emeje asserted.
He further decried the overreliance on imported medicines due to the erosion of traditional medicines.
He urged that Nigerians should be good ambassadors of the country by projecting its positive narratives.
The event witnessed the inauguration of five ACTU members from NNMDA to the ICPC team and the oath-taking to uphold transparency and remain committed to the anti-corruption crusade in the agency and beyond.