By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

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.

Mr Kabir Elelu, the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, 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 concern over the unchecked sale of herbal mixtures, commonly referred to as “Ala Agbo,” by hawkers, noting 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 bastardised 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 high rate of liver cirrhosis and all kinds of diseases that can be associated with the intake of herbal concoctions.’’

Highlighting the ICPC’s mandate under Section 6 of its Act, Elelu explained the commission’s roles in investigating corruption, preventing it through system audits and educating the public on its dangers.

He emphasised 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 said.

Elelu commended the NNMDA for its credible performance on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, where it consistently scored above 70 per cent.

The commissioner, however, urged the agency to intensify its efforts in promoting transparency.

Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the NNMDA, reiterated the agency’s commitment to transparency in research and natural medicines development.

Emeje described 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 said.

He lamented the overreliance on imported medicines attributing it to the erosion of traditional medicines dues to colonialism and corruption.

The director-general said that Nigerians should be good ambassadors of the country, projecting its positive narratives.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of five ACTU members from NNMDA the ICPC team.

The five ACTU members took an oath to uphold transparency and remain committed to the anti-corruption crusade in the agency and beyond.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo