Nigeria’s drive to commercialise indigenous medicines received a major boost on Tuesday as leading pharmaceutical companies pledged support to the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA). ALSO READ: Nigeria Regulates Online Pharmacy ServicesHe said that the agency is seeking support to establish a Clinical Development Centre and a modern five-storey laboratory complex to accelerate the clinical validation and commercialisation of natural medicine products. According to him, the agency’s research covers medicines for humans, livestock and plants, demonstrating the broad potential of natural medicine in addressing national health and agricultural challenges. The Minister said the Federal Government is committed to establishing a functional herbal medicine manufacturing industry in Nigeria capable of competing globally while improving healthcare access and promoting health equity. He also applauded the Government of India for its longstanding support for the agency in terms of research exchanges, expressing optimism that both countries would deepen cooperation in natural medicine research and commercialisation.