The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has called on the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency to address the widespread issue of unregulated herbal drinks in the country. This plea was made during a training webinar where the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State emphasized the risks associated with the consumption of unverified herbal mixtures being sold by hawkers.
The ICPC highlighted its role in investigating and preventing corruption, stressing the importance of ethics, integrity, and public service diligence. The agency urged the NNMDA to tackle the problem of unregulated herbal drinks to safeguard public health. The NNMDA was commended for its commitment to transparency and urged to continue promoting transparency in its operations.
The Director-General of the NNMDA reiterated the agency’s dedication to transparency in research and natural medicines development. The inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) within the agency was seen as a significant step in ensuring transparency and combating corruption. The event culminated in the swearing-in of five ACTU members who pledged to uphold transparency and support the fight against corruption within the agency and beyond.