In a significant boost for Nigeria's agricultural and scientific sectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally granted a Certificate of Patents to the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) in Umudike, Abia State. The patent protects the institute's groundbreaking method for producing three distinct varieties of tea from turmeric rhizomes and leaves.
A Landmark Achievement for Scientific Innovation
The 'Certificate of Patents' was presented to the NRCRI by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The institute's Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, confirmed the development, describing it as a landmark achievement.
Professor Egesi stated that the grant was executed in full compliance with the Patent and Design Acts; CAP 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. The official references for the patent are RP:NG/PT/NC/O/2024/15488, dated 11 December 2024, and it was formally sealed on 9 October 2025.
Transforming a Global Superfood into Novel Tea Products
This patent recognises the technological innovation spearheaded by an NRCRI research team led by Dr. Rachel Majekodunmi Omodamiro. The team successfully developed formulations and production methods for three unique tea products derived from turmeric.
"Turmeric is globally recognised for its medicinal, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties," Professor Egesi noted. "Through our research, we are now transforming this indigenous crop into novel tea variants." He emphasised that this innovation promises multiple benefits:
- Enhanced health options for consumers.
- New enterprise and commercial opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
- Significant contributions to the national economy through the herbal wellness and nutraceutical sector.
Positioning Nigeria as a Leader in Bio-Innovation
Professor Egesi hailed the presidential grant as a giant step towards positioning Nigeria as a frontrunner in bio-innovation and natural products research. He stated that it underscores NRCRI's unwavering commitment to advancing scientific innovation, adding value to agriculture, and fostering the commercialisation of indigenous crops.
Congratulating the research team, he also pointed out that the Federal Government's recognition of this breakthrough highlights the growing strength of Nigeria's innovation ecosystem. It demonstrates the vast potential of indigenous crops to drive sustainable economic development and diversification.
The NRCRI holds the national mandate for the research and development of root and tuber crops of economic importance. Its statutory duties cover:
- Genetic improvement, production, processing, and storage of crops like yam, cassava, potato, sweet potato, cocoyam, ginger, and turmeric.
- National and international research collaborations.
- Agricultural extension services in liaison with agencies like NAERLS and State ADPs, particularly within the South-East agro-ecological zone.
This patent award marks a pivotal moment in the institute's history, translating research into protected, commercial-ready products that can benefit both public health and the national economy.
