The Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Prof. Martins Emeje, has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the integration of indigenous medicine into the national healthcare system, citing potential benefits for public health and economic development.
During a recent community engagement meeting at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Emeje emphasized the need to reduce the country’s dependence on imported drugs and healthcare products, especially considering the challenges millions of Nigerians face in affording these imports.
Prof. Emeje highlighted that over 40% of drugs globally are derived from plants, emphasizing the untapped potential within Nigeria’s biodiversity.
He expressed concern over the current situation where Nigeria does not manufacture any drugs, stressing the need for medical security and self-sufficiency.
The Director-General underscored the wealth of knowledge in the country’s traditional and herbal medicine practitioners, noting that solutions to many diseases could be found within the local environment.
He lamented the decline in life expectancy in the country, attributing it to the abandonment of cultural heritage and heavy reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.
Emeje revealed that NNMDA is spearheading a research project in collaboration with other countries to explore the antimicrobial properties of Nigerian herbal medicine.
He outlined plans to establish research farms and herbal clinics nationwide, integrating cultivation, medical production, and functional foods.
In response to concerns about the decline in trust and support for indigenous medicine, Emeje assured that NNMDA is actively working on public enlightenment, education, and training programs.
He stressed the importance of citizens embracing and valuing the nation’s cultural heritage in medicine.
“We can boast of men and women in our cultural heritage of herbal and traditional medical practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience of how to tackle all manner of diseases in our society. That’s why our ancestors lived over 100 years,” he stated.
