Tinubu grants NRCRI patent for Turmeric tea production

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally granted the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, a Certificate of Patents for the production of three varieties of tea from turmeric rhizomes and leaves.

The NRCRI recently achieved a technological breakthrough in the formulation and production of these turmeric-based teas.

Professor Chiedozie Egesi, Executive Director and CEO of NRCRI, confirmed the development to journalists in Umuahia on Monday, noting that the patent certificate was presented to the institute by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN.

Professor Egesi explained that the patent grant complies with the provisions of the Patent and Design Acts; CAP 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, highlighting the legal recognition of the institute’s innovation.

Describing the approval as a “landmark achievement,” Professor Egesi said the patent underscores NRCRI’s commitment to advancing scientific innovation, value addition in agriculture, commercialization of indigenous crops, and the expansion of Nigeria’s herbal wellness and nutraceutical industry.

“Turmeric, globally recognized for its medicinal, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, is now being transformed through NRCRI’s research team, led by Dr. Rachel Majekodunmi Omodamiro, into novel tea product variants,” he stated.

He added that the innovation promises enhanced health benefits, new enterprise opportunities, and significant contributions to Nigeria’s national economy, describing it as another step toward positioning the country as a leader in bio-innovation, natural products research, and high-value root and tuber crop utilization.

Congratulating the research team, Professor Egesi said the federal government’s recognition of the breakthrough highlights the strength of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the potential of indigenous crops to drive sustainable development.

NRCRI, which has the statutory mandate to research the genetic improvement, production, processing, storage, and utilization of root and tuber crops, including yam, cassava, sweet potato, cocoyam, ginger, taro, sugar beet, and rizga, also undertakes national and international research collaborations and short-term training programs.

The institute additionally executes agricultural extension services in collaboration with relevant federal and state agencies, such as the National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS) and State Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs), within its mandate zone covering the Southeast agro-ecological region of Nigeria.