The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has called for a synergy and closer working relationship between the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) so that new pharmaceutical firms can be established.
The Minister made the call on Friday in Abuja at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) Webinar Conference, themed; “Improving Access to COVID-19 Vaccines and other Interventions: Intellectual Property, Patent Waivers and other Critical Factors.”
Onu lauded the role of NIPRD in achieving her set mandates in the areas of leading pharmaceutical research in the country.
In his words, “NIPRD has worked very hard in promoting research on drugs and biological products from indigenous natural resources. Also, through appropriate science and technology NIPRD has continued to assist the nation in meeting her pharmaceutical needs.”
According to the press release signed by Ademu Josephine of the FMST press department, that the synergy will aid the growth of Nigeria having some of the largest pharmaceutical firms in the world in the years to come.
He said that Nigeria is home to very rare herbs and plants, and if efficiently exploited can help find the cure of many diseases that are ravaging the world.
On the socio-economic benefits of carrying out indigenous pharmaceutical research, he said “It is therefore important that we go into our forests, harvest herbs and plants and conduct research and development to find cures for such diseases. In doing this, we will be creating jobs as well as wealth for our citizens, reduce poverty, strengthen our currency and help our nation become more self reliant.”
