The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has taken significant steps to tackle youth unemployment and promote economic growth through an unprecedented and innovative cassava-grade starch production initiative. This program aims to create jobs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones by establishing cassava farms and processing facilities for pharmaceutical-grade starch.

The Director General/Chief Executive, Prof. Martins Emeje explained that local farmers will be provided with specialized training in Good Agricultural and cultivation practices and good manufacturing practices, as well as, guaranteed market access. By transitioning from traditional agricultural practices to more sustainable, industry-driven approaches, the NNMDA seeks to reduce unemployment rates and boost Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

This initiative has received strong support from the Nigerian National Assembly, further emphasizing its importance as a key driver of local economic development. It also aligns with broader national objectives to reduce dependence on imports and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

By investing, in local communities and agricultural processes, the NNMDA aims to contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic growth while addressing pressing social issues such as unemployment.

For more information, read the full article from The Nation Newspaper: FG tackles unemployment with cassava-grade starch production initiative – The Nation Newspaper

Learn more about the Cassava Value Chain Program.