The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering, Hon. Inuwa Garba (PDP, Gombe), has disclosed that the National Assembly is intensifying efforts towards strengthening traditional medicine industry through research and global partnerships.
Garba said traditional medicine represents a multi-billion-dollar global industry, stressing that the country must take deliberate steps to position itself competitively within the sector.
The federal lawmaker stated this while speaking with journalists after he was conferred with the 2025 Best Legislator of the Year alongside Hon. Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi) by the National Leadership Awards in Abuja on Friday.
The lawmaker noted that the House Committee was working with relevant agencies and professional bodies to amend existing laws regulating traditional and natural medicine in the country.
According to Garba, promoting indigenous medicine would not only enhance healthcare access but also create jobs, stimulate innovation, and boost Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.
“We are doing a lot of meetings, research collaboration and partnership with a view to promote traditional medicine in Nigeria, which is a multi-billion-dollar industry. You can see what is happening in China and India and other parts of the world. Nigeria should not be left behind.
“We are working tirelessly to amend some of the already existing Acts so that the traditional or natural medicine industry can compete globally and serve as an effective alternative in healthcare delivery,” he added.
He called on researchers, practitioners, and investors to collaborate with government institutions to develop standards, enhance quality control, and expand export potential for locally sourced medicinal products.
The former speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, expressed excitement and gratitude to the organisers for the honour saying it meant so much to him and his constituents.
“I feel honored and highly excited by this gesture given to me by the National Leadership Awards. I am assuring you like you always know me, like you always believe in me, with or without portal office, I will continue to do the best thing to make you proud and to make you successful,” he said.
Garba admonished youths to believe in Nigeria, be committed and trustworthy, and always doing their best as the future belonged to them.
“I am calling on the young ones coming up to be so committed and believe in this country, in Nigeria, because without good leadership, there will never be any good country.
“So I am calling on the young and all to be credible enough in the affairs of leadership so that they can take the mantle of leadership in all aspect of human endeavour,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Leadership Awards, Perry Opara, said the awards are only given to Nigerians who had distinguished themselves in various endeavours.
He said that since the inception of the awards in 2002, 27 state governors, 18 deputy governors, 57 members of the National Assembly have been honoured.
Opara said that Garba was honoured for his outstanding performance as a lawmaker in the green chambers having sponsored many bills in the 10th Assembly.
He added that Rep Abejide was honoured for the role played in the amendment of the Nigerian Customs Act and his ability to relate with his constituents and maintaining it at what he called phenomenal level.
