SON Committed to the Promotion and Growth of African Traditional Medicine (ATM)

SON COMMITTED TO THE PROMOTION AND GROWTH OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE (ATM)

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has affirmed its commitment to promoting products that will compete favorably in the international market.

The commitment was made during the 18th National Technical Mirror Committee meeting on African traditional Medicine (ATM) held in Lagos.

In his opening remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive Dr; Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke thanked the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello, and the Management of Lagos State University (LASU) for graciously hosting the technical committee within the prestigious university premises and providing the necessary support for the meeting.

The DG represented by the Director Standards Development Engr. Yahaya Bukar expressed his appreciation to the Coordinator and Chairperson of the committee, Prof. Maurice Iwu, whose intellectual prowess and unwavering commitment has ensured the success of the project since its inception in August 2015.

Dr. Okeke noted that through the efforts of the National Technical Committee, Nigeria has pioneered the development and adoption of ten African Regional Standards for Traditional Medicine. He expressed hope that by the end of the meeting, an additional 14 ARS Standards will be adopted as Nigeria’s National Standards, bringing the total to twenty-four (24).

The SON’s helmsman acknowledged the significant achievement gained by the TC considering Nigeria’s previous status in the area of formulating standards for traditional medicine. He said the works carried out on these Standards has set Nigeria at the forefront of the promotion and development of African Traditional medicine.

While commending the efforts of the NTC, he assured them that SON will play its role in ensuring the promotion of these standards for local and global promotion of Nigeria’s Traditional Medicines.

The DG noted that the National Standards developed by the NTC are crucial for global access to Nigerian products as they will facilitate compatibility, ensure quality, and reduce barriers across global markets. These standards will provide benchmarks for quality and safety, building trust among consumers and businesses.

According to the DG SON, the NTC work will enable Nigerian traditional medicines to easily comply with international regulatory requirements, as many countries require imported goods to meet specific standards; He said the adoption of harmonized international standards by Nigeria is to simplify compliance, thus reducing the risk of Nigerian products being rejected or facing trade restrictions.

He therefore urged all the professionals and experts present to contribute their best to accomplish the objectives outlined for the meeting.

In similar vein, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), represented by The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof Adenike Omotunde in her welcome remarks noted that the occasion holds great significance as it is a gathering that will foster collaborations and sharing of ideas that will propel the development and regulation of traditional Medicine in Nigeria.

She commended the work SON is doing to set standards, improve quality practices, and ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies for the future of healthcare in the country. She looked forward to fruitful discussions and productive interactions that will arise from the engagement.

Also speaking at the meeting, the chairperson of the SON NM/TC on African Traditional Medicine, Prof. Maurice Iwu urged all participants to work assiduously to develop as many standards as they can to be able to compete favorably with India and China in traditional African medicine for its utilization by generations and for national economic development.