The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has urged the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency, NNMDA, to address the proliferation of unregulated herbal drinks in the country.
This was contained in a statement by the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, Kabir Elelu. The Resident Commissioner made the call 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.’’
Speaking at the event, Elelu expressed concern over the unchecked sale of herbal mixtures, commonly referred to as “Ala Agbo,” by hawkers. He warned that the consumption of such substances posed severe health risks.
“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 said.
The Resident Commissioner, therefore, highlighted the ICPC’s mandate under Section 6 of its Act. He emphasized that the Commission’s roles are in investigating corruption, preventing it through system audits and educating the public on its dangers.
Elelu also stressed the importance of ethics, integrity and public service diligence in combating corruption.
He said, “As public servants, we must lead the fight against corruption, starting from our own spaces.”
Elelu commended the NNMDA for its credible performance on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard. He noted that Agency has consistently scored above 70 per cent.
He, however, urged the Agency to intensify its efforts in promoting transparency.
Responding, the Director-General of the NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to transparency in research and natural medicines development.
He described the inauguration of ACTU members as a significant step toward fostering transparency and fighting corruption.
Emeje said, “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.”
The DG, however, lamented the overreliance on imported medicines. Attributing it to the erosion of traditional medicines dues to colonialism and corruption.
“Nigerians should be good ambassadors of the country, projecting its positive narratives,” Emeje charges.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of five ACTU members from NNMDA by the ICPC team.
The five ACTU members took an oath to uphold transparency. They pledged to remain committed to the anti-corruption crusade in the agency and beyond.
source: Nigerian Tribune
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