Researcher Jamie Hitchen spent a fortnight in Nigeria during December 2014 working on a new Policy Voice entitled “Modern African Remedies”.

1. The founding vision
Fascinating discussions with Father Anselm Adodo OSB lasted hours and
covered the inspiration behind Paxherbals, the philosophy that drives it and
his hopes for establishing a fully herbal teaching hospital in the future.

2. Under the microscope
The on-site laboratory facilities at Paxherbals enable scientists to carry out
quality control on all products and carry out continuous research into the
medicinal properties of local herbs.

3. On the factory floor
On a tour of the factory I observed the drugs being made. Here Paxherbals
Formula G, used for treating fever, is being put into capsules to improve
dosage regulation, before being packaged.

4. A community of growers
After an animated discussion with more than 20 of Pax’s herb suppliers from
the local community, about how raw materials are collected, I had the chance
to hear their personal stories.

5. Wisdom of elders
Meeting the King of Ewu, and his chiefs, provided a chance to learn more
about the value, and continued use, of indigenous knowledge in and around
Ewu.

6. Rural job creation
Rt. Hon. David Iyoha, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly,
discussed his decision to open a bottling factory in 2012 to supply Pax, thereby
developing a local supply chain that has created jobs and circulated wealth
within the immediate community.

7. Reaching the market
A visit to a distribution depot in the Festac area of Lagos provided valuable
insight into how Pax products reach the consumers in Lagos, through a
network of more than 80 trained and informed distributors.

8. Natural product development
A conversation with TF Okujagu, Director General of the Nigerian Natural
Medicine Development Agency, focused on the agency’s efforts to train herbal
practitioners to support a more professional, business-oriented approach to
herbal drug production.

9. Meeting industry standards
Paxherbals has more than 30 products certified as safe by the National Agency
for Food and Drug Administration and Control. This has been a key component
in building public trust and altering perceptions.

10. Growing from roots
An interview with Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, Chairman of Lagos State
Traditional Medicine Board, provided valuable insight into the need to make
the economic argument for the herbal medicine industry if it is to be fully
supported by the federal government in Nigeria. I am pictured here with Dr
Omoseyindemi and Bolanle Alabede, Pax’s PR officer, who arranged such
meetings and guided me expertly to them through the infamous Lagos traffic.