Tinubu Secures NRCRI Patent for Three Turmeric Tea Variants, Paving Way for Commercialisation of Indigenous Crop

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s agricultural and scientific landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially granted a Certificate of Patents to the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, for a groundbreaking technological innovation in beverage production.

The patent covers the formulation and method of producing three distinct varieties of tea from turmeric rhizomes and leaves. The new, optimized turmeric formulations are expected to unlock the full health potential of the indigenous crop, which is globally recognized for its medicinal, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.

Professor Chiedozie Egesi, Executive Director and CEO of the NRCRI, confirmed the development to journalists in Umuahia on Monday, December 15, 2025. He noted that the patent certificate was formally presented to the Institute by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN.

Professor Egesi described the patent grant as a “landmark achievement” that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on Food and Nutrition Security. He emphasized that the legal recognition, which complies with the Patent and Design Acts; CAP 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, validates NRCRI’s commitment to:

• Advancing scientific innovation in agriculture.
• Fostering commercialization of indigenous crops.
• Expanding Nigeria’s herbal wellness and nutraceutical industry.

The patented products include a non-activated turmeric tea from rhizomes, an activated turmeric tea variant designed for enhanced curcumin release, and a turmeric green tea derived from the leaves.

The NRCRI stated that this innovation promises enhanced health benefits for consumers, new enterprise opportunities, and substantial contributions to Nigeria’s national economy. With the patent secured, plans are now firmly underway for the large-scale commercialization of the new tea variants, involving partnerships with private-sector investors to transform the research into market-ready products.