FG to Establish Traditional Medicine Database, Research Farms

• NNMDA plans to create a database of traditional medicine practitioners to integrate traditional knowledge into Nigeria’s healthcare and combat antimicrobial resistance
• The agency also launched research farms, four indigenous oral medicines, and a media coalition to promote Nigeria’s natural medicine sector in 2024

The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has announced plans to create a database of traditional medicine practitioners in the country this year.

The agency’s director general, Prof. Martins Emeje, made this known during a media briefing. He stated that the initiative aims to integrate traditional knowledge into Nigeria’s broader healthcare system.

Prof. Emeje also revealed that the agency is working on establishing research farms in all 774 local government areas (LGAs) across the country.

Additionally, NNMDA is focusing on combating antimicrobial resistance, training traditional medicine practitioners, and documenting Nigeria’s rich biodiversity in 2024.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported medicines, highlighting the vulnerability it creates. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the country’s abundant traditional medicinal plants to enhance healthcare solutions.

As part of its efforts to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, the agency launched four indigenous oral medicines in 2024.

A key moment at the event was the inauguration of Journalists for Natural Medicine (JONAMED), a coalition of media professionals dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s natural medicine sector.