By Doris Obinna
The Director General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Prof. Martins Emeje, has urged for stronger governmental backing for natural medicines and emphasized its potential to generate millions of jobs by reducing drug import dependency.
Emeje, highlighting the agency’s strides in advancing traditional medicines as part of the federal government’s two-year Renewed Hope Agenda, revealed the agency’s plans to establish traditional medicine practices in all 774 local government areas (LGAs) across the states.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Lagos, Prof. Emeje emphasized that performance reporting has been a routine part of the agency’s operations since he assumed leadership, with biannual internal assessments and annual public accountability programs already in place.
In line with the presidential directive for ministries and agencies to report their achievements, NNMDA merged its annual review with the national directive, showcasing a two-year achievement summary. The agency had earlier launched four herbal medicinal products in 2024 targeting sickle cell disease, diabetes, immune support, and anti-aging.
According to Emeje, this year, the agency not only met their promise to deliver 11 more products but surpassed it with a total of 23 products, now including treatments for peptic ulcers, diarrhoea, and hepatitis B. “Particularly notable is the anti-diarrhoea product, developed using nanotechnology, which won first prize at a national scientific competition and has received funding support in the 2025 national budget.”
While the agency has achieved breakthroughs in research and product development, Prof. Emeje clarified that, as a research institution, NNMDA relies on pharmaceutical companies to commercialize these innovations. He stressed that it is the role of the private sector to bring these products to the market and encouraged pharmaceutical stakeholders to engage directly with the agency.
Drawing from his past success in bringing the country’s only publicly used government-developed health product to market, Emeje said he is confident in navigating this process again and is already in discussions with interested industry players.
In a keynote address, Dr. Hassan Lawal, a leading scientist in the fight against malaria, emphasized the urgency of addressing rising resistance to conventional anti-malarial drugs in Nigeria. He outlined the agency’s strategy, which blends indigenous knowledge with scientific methods to create safe, effective, and locally sourced solutions.
“The agency’s malaria initiative includes a multi-pronged approach: a plant-based larvicide to inhibit mosquito development, an eco-friendly indoor spray with a pleasant scent, and a topical cream that protects exposed skin.
“These products underwent rigorous testing and have been proven safe for public use. In addition, a new herbal tea aimed at treating malaria symptoms is now available, offering relief within 48 hours of use.”
In his goodwill message, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood O. Jimoh, represented by ACP Dr. Bose Salami, hailed the agency for its dedication to promoting and developing natural medicine.
According to him, natural medicine has significantly impacted public health. “Your research, community engagement, and advocacy have helped lay the foundation for a healthier and more self-reliant nation.”
Also, Col. Samson Idowu Commander, 81 Division Medical Services & Hospital, Representing Major General F.U. Mijinyawa, while reiterating the military’s medical corps continued collaboration and support, commended the DG for its visionary leadership to position the agency for a long-term impact.
On his part, Comptroller of Immigration Service, B.A. Lawson, represented by S.I. Bikini-Rossi, said: “You have identified national health challenges and are proactively working on solutions.”
He frowned at how Nigerians often take malaria parasite for granted. “We tend to overlook its seriousness until someone close to us is severely affected. What you’re doing here; treating malaria not just as a medical issue but as a national concern is praiseworthy.
“I encourage you to expand your scope to include other critical health areas such as maternal mortality, neonatal care, HIV, and more. Our people are suffering quietly, and they need solutions rooted in both science and cultural relevance,” he added.
Highlighting the economic and cultural importance of developing local remedies, Emeje criticized the lingering colonial influence in Nigeria’s educational and healthcare systems, advocating for the recognition and modernization of indigenous knowledge. He detailed efforts to digitize the database of traditional practitioners and develop formal training programs rooted in local languages and practices.
“Since 2019, NNMDA has made strategic progress, launching products for conditions such as sickle cell disease, diabetes, immune health, and aging. Three new formulations targeting hepatitis B, diarrhoea, and ulcers have been completed, awaiting presidential unveiling. One of these, a nanotech-based anti-diarrhoea, recently won a top national science award,” Emeje stated.