Nigeria Has the Potential to Export Herbal Medicine

Professor Martins Emeje, the Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, has stated that Nigeria could become an international supplier of traditional medicine products in as little as one year.

He made this known while receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance during their visit to the agency’s office in Lagos. According to him, with the proper structure and adequate support from the government, the country’s natural medicine sector could surpass oil in economic value.

Emeje emphasized that the agency is equipped with the knowledge and capacity to produce natural remedies that meet international standards, provided they receive both the manpower and funding required.

“The next thing is for our lawmakers to put life into the resolution on natural medicine—that is, provide financial and human support. I need at least 15,000 staff to get this country to turn around, and nobody will be looking for oil money.

If they give me 15,000 staff, we will deploy 20 to each local government, and in 12 months, this country will be a net exporter of medicinal plants and natural medicines—both in their raw form, processed and standardised, and as medical products for intervention.

And people will now have what we call 100 per cent access to medicine and healthcare—universal health coverage, using our own natural medicine,” Emeje said.

In response, Hon. Badau Ahmed, who leads the Committee on Legislative Compliance, said the initiative would strengthen healthcare in the country.

He pointed out that proper execution of the plan could also cut down Nigeria’s reliance on imported drugs.

Ahmed assured the agency of the lawmakers’ readiness to assist in its mission to grow the natural medicine sector.

He explained that the initiative would not only improve public health but also open up new employment opportunities nationwide.

“This move by the NNMDA to develop and promote traditional medicine is encouraging. It will reduce costs and dependence on foreign medicine.

So, at the same time, this plan will help our teeming youths by creating job opportunities in our communities across the country.”

The motion backing this development was presented by Mr. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, who represents the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.

While providing an overview of the motion, Ukpong-Udo pointed out that the global healthcare landscape is steadily embracing nature-based treatments.

“And this is without exception to any known human ailment.”

“Natural medicine is the most accessible and preferred healthcare delivery system in most communities in Nigeria today.

We are worried that the country could not make the necessary achievements by making traditional medicine subservient to imported medicine,” he argued.

Following the approval of the motion, the House directed the Committees on Healthcare Services and Science and Technology to collaborate with the agency and key industry players.

They were also instructed to “strategise with stakeholders and the Natural Medicine Development Agency” and to “connect the possibilities of natural medicine, reorient Nigerians, and look inwards for solutions to health challenges.”