At a 3-day strategic meeting held at the Lekki Conservation Center, Lagos, by the Board of trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), formally announced the appointment of Prof. Babalola Muyiwa Ezekiel as its new National Enforcement Director.
Babalola, a cosmo legend, global icon and world humanitarian icon awardee, is a globally respected academician, peace ambassador, and independent international diplomat with a stellar record of service in education, innovation, and social impact, is a seasoned political activist and advocate, he is known for championing good governance, peacebuilding, and the rights of marginalized.
This marks a major milestone in the Africa largest traditional medicine practitioners under the federal ministry of health, Nigeria, to enhance regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and public safety within the traditional medicine sector.
The appointment underscores NANTMP’s commitment to integrating time-honored healing traditions with modern enforcement standards.
Prof. Ezekiel will be responsible for leading a nationwide effort to ensure that traditional health practices are compliant with Nigeria’s environmental and public health laws.
“This is a strategic and timely appointment,” the National President of NANTMP, Dr Shaba Maikudi said . “Prof. Ezekiel brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. His leadership will help us prevent fraudulent acts within the sector, protect public health, promote accountability, and preserve our heritage with integrity.”
As the new National Enforcement Director of NANTMP, Prof. Ezekiel’s responsibilities will be management, leading enforcement teams, and overseeing enforcement officers nationwide to ensure optimal performance and goal alignment.
Developing enforcement strategies: Crafting and implementing actionable plans to drive compliance across the traditional medicine landscape.
Mentoring and motivating staff: Building capacity and morale within the enforcement unit to ensure effectiveness and professionalism.
Compliance and Enforcement
Ensuring adherence to regulations: Monitoring practitioner activities to enforce national laws and standards.
Conducting investigations: Leading or supervising probes into suspected violations.
Taking enforcement actions: Issuing warnings, applying sanctions, or initiating legal proceedings when necessary.
Coordinating with stakeholders: Engaging agencies such as the NAFDAC, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigeria Police, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and others to advance sector-wide compliance.
Oversight and Advocacy
Monitoring trends: Tracking national and global developments relevant to traditional medicine and regulatory enforcement.
Reviewing existing regulations: Evaluating current laws and recommending updates where needed.
Reporting to stakeholders: Delivering regular reports and insights to the association and external partners.
Representing NANTMP: Serving as a visible and professional ambassador of the Africa largest association in public and inter-agency engagements.
This bold step reaffirms NANTMP’s proactive commitment to responsible practice, environmental stewardship, and national health priorities.
Prof. Ezekiel’s expertise is expected to catalyze a new era of disciplined, law-abiding, and community-focused traditional medicine in Nigeria.