The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) is poised to oversee the practice of spiritual healing within religious organisations. The agency has stated that any practitioner found operating outside its established guidelines will face appropriate sanctions.
Prof. Martin Emeje, the Director General and CEO of NNMDA, emphasised that spiritual healing, classified as a form of natural medicine, falls under the agency’s jurisdiction, necessitating this regulatory enforcement.
Prof. Emeje’s comments made in a media briefing on Monday were directed at religious leaders across the country who engage in spiritual healing, urging them to comply with the new regulations implemented by the NNMDA. He highlighted the importance of establishing individualised agreements with each spiritual leader to ensure compliance.
“The NNMDA is the sole government agency responsible for the research and development of natural medicines in Nigeria, which includes practices in both churches and mosques. Many individuals choose not to rely on conventional medications when ill, instead seeking healing through their faith,” he stated.
“This is a call for all pastors, imams, and religious practitioners—regardless of faith—to understand that if you are claiming to improve people’s health through your practices, we are watching you.”
The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (Establishment) Act of 2019 outlines the agency’s mandate to establish, research, develop, promote, document, and preserve Nigeria’s indigenous healthcare systems and healing practices, and to facilitate their integration into the national healthcare system.
Prof. Emeje further stressed the importance of standardising indigenous natural medicine practices in the country, asserting that these standards should be free from Western influences and tailored for the Nigerian populace. “We must establish our own methods and execute them effectively. Individuals are free to heal themselves as they choose; however, if you intend to use your faith to heal others, we need to collaborate to ensure adherence to established standards,” he stated.
He elaborated, “We will develop mutual standards—not legalistic ones—but agreements between us. When we come to an understanding and someone deviates from that agreement, it will be clear that they have strayed from the established norms. Our standards will not mimic those from other countries; we are Nigerians, and our practices should reflect our unique culture and needs.”
Prof. Emeje also noted the necessity for standardisation in healing practices across different religious contexts, including churches, mosques, and traditional healing practices, all of which fall under the umbrella of natural medicine.
In a related anecdote, he mentioned that a Reverend Father from the United States, who holds a PhD, has expressed a desire to learn about African natural medicine. Plans are underway for this individual to visit Nigeria to gain knowledge from the NNMDA.
With a background in Islamic culture, Prof. Emeje described Islamic spiritual healing practices, which involve writing on specific substances before washing and consuming them for healing effects. He affirmed his commitment to this significant undertaking, stating, “This is a monumental task, and we are approaching it gradually.”
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