The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) has expressed its support to ensure the standardization of African Traditional Medicine (ATM) in Nigeria.
The SON, Director General, Mallam Farouk Salim disclosed this while playing host to the 13th Technical Meeting of the National Mirror Committee on African Traditional Medicine (ATM) at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Olobayo Kunle, Mallam Salim said “we have been intimated of your zealousness in driving the standardisation activities of the African Traditional Medicine which has made you exemplary to other Technical Committees of SON”.
“Just as duty demands of us, we are here once again to discuss and articulate Nigeria’s position in the conclusion of twenty-four (24) draft standards in African Traditional Medicine (ATM) at the Continental level (ARSO).
“As we are aware, some of the standards to be discussed today are part of the medicinal plants proposed by this esteemed committee at the ARSO TC82 meeting held at Kigali in May, 2016, this has shown Nigeria’s prowess to a large extent at the Continental level as we were able to drive the standardization activities to this point.
“I have to admit that the list of outlined work is enormous as presented in the agenda, but I wish to solicit at this point that, we implore all amount of diligence in reviewing and commenting on the draft standards to ensure its implementability in Nigeria when adopted. SON is here to provide all the technical support required to convey your submissions and Nigeria’ position to ARSO as required” he stated.
The DG re-affirmed that “SON holds this Committee in high esteem and nothing should deter or dwindle your spirits in ensuring that Nigeria records accolades of success in this sector both at the Continental and International levels”.
Commending SON’s efforts for the process, Chairman of the National Mirror Committee on African Traditional Medicine, Prof. Maurice Iwu emphasized that traditional medicine is needed in Nigeria’s health sector.
On the seemingly overlapping roles of SON and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administrative Control (NAFDAC) the NMC Chairman said there will be regulatory actions if Standards are not being set and therefore emphasized need for home grown Standards that will carter for the needs of Consumers.
He said strengthening of the NMC will go a long way in elaboration of more Standards in the Traditional Medicine range.
Speaking on the lack of application of the Standards in production and packaging Prof Iwu, gave an example of basic products such as Ginger has been made difficult or impossible for export, adding that proper adherence to Standards by manufacturers creates more jobs and the overall helps the economy of Nigeria to grow.
He however, urged that the Standards should be adopted and changed from time to time of which is part of the deliberation which Members will argue till they come to an agreement or consensus for it to be a Standard.
Earlier, the Director, Standards, SON, Engr. Yahya Bukar urged the committee to ensure that greater attention was paid to every part of the Standard with respect to the uniqueness of Nigeria in order not to find it difficult to implement when adopted.
“With no iota of doubt, I am optimistic that, these Standards when concluded will facilitate local and international trade in this sector considering its enormous medicinal and economical potentials”, he said.
