Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for a more structured integration of traditional medicine into the modern healthcare system, emphasising the need for documentation, scientific validation, and regulatory oversight to ensure safety and efficacy.
The experts — including the Director General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje; Neurotoxicologist and Integrative Medicine practitioner, Dr. John Tor-Agbidye; and the pioneer Head of Department, Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM), Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Pharm. (Hajiya) Zainab Ujudud Shariff — made this remark at a symposium organised by the NNMDA in commemoration of the annual African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day 2025.
Traditional Medicine Day, celebrated every 31st August, is dedicated to raising awareness about the role of traditional medicine in improving health and well-being across the continent. The event featured a health walk and a presentation on how research and proper record-keeping can strengthen the credibility of traditional medicine in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s African Traditional Medicine Day, “Strengthening the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine,” Prof. Emeje emphasised that this effort involves multiple components, notably documentation and training—hence the decision by the NNMDA to focus on these areas.
The distinguished nanotechnologist frowned at the widespread disdain for traditional medicines by some orthodox practitioners, arguing that this attitude will not liberate Africans from colonial mindsets. He pointed out that these local medicines are native to Africa, with over 70 percent of the population relying on them for their healthcare. He also underscored the role of traditional medicine practitioners, stating that they are professionals in their own right, having been trained in the proper use of these medicines for positive patient outcomes.
“Doctors are trained in universities that offer medicine and surgery. Pharmacists are trained in universities that offer pharmacy. Nurses are trained in universities that offer nursing,” he said. In the same vein, he noted that the NNMDA was established through an Act to train traditional medical practitioners in Nigeria. He described the agency as the academic equivalent of a university for traditional medicine.
He added that while the NNMDA handles academic training, the proposed Traditional Medicine Council — once established — will oversee professional conduct and practice. Therefore, the Council Bill is not intended to manage academic training but to regulate professional behaviour.
“So, the Traditional Medicine Council Bill cannot be responsible for the academic training of traditional medical practitioners because their job will be purely professional practice,” he clarified.
In his keynote address titled “Training and Documentation: The Panacea for Strengthening the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine in Nigeria,” Dr. Tor-Agbidye advocated for a shift from what is commonly known as “traditional medicine” to a more structured system referred to as modern traditional medicine — a system that preserves indigenous knowledge while incorporating scientific processes and modern healthcare standards.
“Modern traditional medicine is essentially traditional medicine that has been aided by documentation and scientific validation,” he explained. “With institutions like NAFDAC now responsible for listing herbal products, we can ensure that safety and efficacy are established before these products are approved for use.”
The expert noted that, historically, traditional medicine lacked regulatory backing. However, the emergence of bodies like NAFDAC has changed the landscape by introducing safety testing, dosage evaluation, and efficacy validation. “Before any herbal product is listed, NAFDAC now tests its safety. That means we know how much of it is safe to take. This was missing in the past,” he added.
One major challenge identified is the lack of pharmacopoeial classification of traditional herbal products, which leaves dosage and toxicology issues unresolved. However, ongoing efforts by regulators and researchers are helping to close that gap.
Addressing the often-blurred lines between various medical systems, the integrative medicine expert distinguished between traditional, complementary, and orthodox medicine, clarifying widespread misconceptions.
“Traditional medicine refers to practices passed down through generations, including herbal remedies and bone-setting,” he said. “Complementary medicine, on the other hand, works alongside orthodox medicine to improve patient outcomes. The term ‘alternative medicine’ has been discouraged by the WHO because it creates unnecessary friction and misunderstanding.”
The expert further emphasised that integration, not opposition, is key. “In my practice of integrative medicine, I bring in acupuncturists, chiropractors, and homeopaths to complement conventional treatments. It’s all about achieving the best clinical outcomes for the patient.”
He noted that the WHO has officially adopted integrated medicine — a combination of traditional, complementary, and orthodox systems — as the preferred approach, recognising the value each brings to patient care.
On the issue of documenting traditional practices, the forum acknowledged that many traditional healers perform treatments effectively but lack proper record-keeping. “This is where criticism comes in,” he noted. “They’ve been getting it right for years, but the lack of documentation limits scientific acceptance. We must help them document their work for future generations.”
