Nigeria is advancing its national healthcare framework by integrating evidence-based traditional medicine. This significant step was highlighted during the commemoration of the 2025 African Traditional Medicine Day in Abuja. The Federal Government officially launched two crucial documents: the Strategic Plan of Action for Implementing the Traditional Medicine Policy and the Code of Ethics and Practice for Traditional Medicine Practitioners.
These initiatives are designed to professionalize and standardize the traditional medicine sector, with the ultimate goal of achieving global recognition. Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the vital role of indigenous solutions in addressing Africa's health challenges, particularly in the context of reduced overseas development assistance. He stressed that strong evidence is paramount for transitioning traditional medicine from the periphery to the mainstream of healthcare delivery across the continent.
Dr. Salako noted that a substantial portion of Nigeria's population, especially in rural areas, relies on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs. This makes the sector a key contributor to improving healthcare access, fostering job creation, and stimulating local manufacturing. To support this, the government is actively encouraging clinical studies and scientific research to validate the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies.
This aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) global efforts, as outlined in its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which also focuses on strengthening the evidence base for traditional medicine. Nigeria's past government efforts have established a solid foundation, including the creation of a Department of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine and the development of the Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Over 200 medicinal plants have been documented in the Nigerian Essential Medicinal Plants List, with ongoing collaborations with bodies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to set quality standards for medicinal plants.
Nigeria is also actively engaging with international organizations such as the West African Health Organisation and the WHO for technical support and knowledge exchange. The Minister urged state governments to implement the National Council on Health's resolution to establish traditional medicine boards and departments in all states and the Federal Capital Territory. Addressing past challenges, such as the closure of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2010, Dr. Salako assured that efforts are underway to revive the institution. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for resilient healthcare systems and amplified interest in natural remedies, a momentum Nigeria aims to leverage to elevate traditional medicine globally through evidence-based practices.