The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has announced plans to build a comprehensive database of traditional medicine practitioners across the country, aiming to integrate indigenous health knowledge into the national healthcare system. In a recent briefing, Director-General Prof. Martins Emeje revealed that the agency is also setting up research farms in all 774 local government areas to document Nigeria’s biodiversity, bolster efforts against antimicrobial resistance, and train practitioners in traditional healing methods.
Prof. Emeje expressed concern over the country’s heavy reliance on imported drugs, noting that tapping into Nigeria’s rich reserve of medicinal plants could offer more sustainable healthcare solutions. In 2024, the agency already unveiled four indigenous oral medicines as part of its commitment to developing local remedies.
The initiative was further highlighted by the launch of Journalists for Natural Medicine (JONAMED), a coalition of media professionals dedicated to promoting the benefits of Nigeria’s natural medicine industry.
