Nigeria urged to invest in research to unlock essential oils industry

Professor Olusegun Ekundayo, a retired expert in phytochemistry and organic chemistry from the University of Ibadan, has called for the urgent development of a National Essential Oils Development Policy to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential in the sector.

Speaking at the first national symposium of the Society of Essential Oil Distillers and Analysts (SEODA), Ekundayo highlighted that while Nigeria possesses abundant raw materials—including lemongrass, eucalyptus, ginger, and citrus species—the industry lacks the necessary structure. He emphasized that increased investment in research, innovation, and human capacity development is essential to ensure quality assurance and promote exports.

Ekundayo noted that the global demand for natural products in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and agriculture presents a significant opportunity. However, he warned that roadblocks such as poor research funding, lack of standardization, and inconsistent extraction methods must be addressed through reliable analytical methods and clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy.