FG unveils strategic plan, ethical codes for traditional medicine practice in Nigeria 

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The federal government has pledged deeper investments, stronger regulation, and international collaboration to integrate indigenous health practices into the national healthcare system.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the pledge at the commemoration of the 2025 African Traditional Medicine Day in Abuja.

He restated that the government is committed to transforming traditional medicine into a reliable and respected part of the nation’s health architecture.

He unveiled two key documents, namely, the Strategic Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Traditional Medicine Policy and the Code of Ethics, and Practice for Traditional Medicine Practitioners, describing them as roadmaps for policy implementers and practitioners to ensure standardization, safety, and quality assurance.

“Evidence is the bridge between belief and policy. Our goal is to document, standardize, and integrate evidence-based traditional medicine into Nigeria’s national health system, creating opportunities for job creation, local manufacturing, and improved healthcare access,” he said.

The Minister outlined several government-led initiatives to strengthen traditional medicine, which include the creation of the Department of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) at the Ministry of Health.

Others are the development of the Traditional Medicine Policy for Nigeria, and the Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia which documents over 200 medicinal plants and their uses; revival of Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM) that was closed in 2010 to enhance practitioner training.

The Minister also directed the state governments and the FCT to establish TCAM departments or boards, in line with resolutions from the 62nd National Council on Health.

He also asked that they strengthen partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO), West African Health Organization (WAHO), and countries like China and India for technical and research support.