By Doris Obinna
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) in advancing the production, regulation, and promotion of natural medicine across the country.
Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Compliance, Hon. Yusuf Ahmed-Badau, gave the assurance during a working visit to the NNMDA headquarters in Lagos. He emphasized the economic and health benefits of harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural medicine resources, describing it as a strategic move to reduce dependence on foreign drugs and improve healthcare delivery.
Ahmed-Badau noted that developing natural medicine on a national scale could significantly boost local employment and enhance access to affordable healthcare for Nigerians. “This move by the NNMDA to develop and promote traditional medicine is encouraging. It will reduce costs and dependence on foreign medicine while creating job opportunities across communities,” he stated.
The lawmaker added that the House of Representatives is prepared to support the agency’s efforts, encouraging the NNMDA leadership to formalize its plans and present them for legislative backing.
Earlier, NNMDA Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, appealed to the National Assembly for increased financial and legislative support to implement the agency’s development roadmap. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s indigenous resources to combat health issues unique to various local environments.
“With the right allocation and improved staffing, we can harness natural resources from each local government to treat diseases specific to those areas,” Emeje said. He added that empowering natural medicine would not only enhance public health but also serve as a step towards economic independence.
Prof. Emeje stressed that every region in Nigeria possesses unique plants, animals, and minerals that can be explored for curative purposes, aligning with the global shift toward nature-based health solutions.
The committee’s visit follows the adoption of a motion by the House of Representatives titled “Need for Nigerians to Promote and Prioritise Natural Medicine.” Sponsored by Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State), the motion calls for greater recognition of natural medicine as a core component of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Ukpong-Udo noted that natural remedies remain the most accessible form of healthcare in many Nigerian communities and warned against continued marginalization of traditional medicine in favor of imports.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services and Science and Technology to collaborate with stakeholders and the NNMDA to explore the full potential of natural medicine in addressing the country’s health challenges.
As Nigeria looks inward for sustainable healthcare solutions, stakeholders are optimistic that the renewed government support for natural medicine will unlock economic opportunities and improve public health outcomes nationwide.