The Federal Government has warned unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners across the country to desist from operating, insisting that anyone practicing without proper authorization will face severe sanctions.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziag Adekunle Salako, issued the warning during a strategic meeting held on October 13 with the Modern Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria (MTMPN) in collaboration with the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Abuja.
Represented by the Director, Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Department, Pharm. Tile Titus, the minister said government is working to strengthen regulations guiding traditional medicine practice in the country, stressing that misuse of herbal plants poses grave health risks.
“Not all plants are medicinal, and lack of proper identification could be dangerous,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that only qualified and registered practitioners operate legally within the system.”
He advised practitioners to register under recognized bodies such as the Modern Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria (MTMPN) and the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners, noting that government would no longer tolerate unlicensed operators.
The National President of the Modern Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Dada Nakowa, also appealed to individuals and groups practicing traditional medicine to register with MTMPN, which is recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Dr. Nakowa, who also serves as the National Coordinator of TCAM and Global President of Green World for Medical Plants, cautioned against the use of harmful herbal substances in pursuit of profit, warning that such acts tarnish the reputation of the profession.
Similarly, the National President of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Dr. Shaba Maikudi, joined Dr. Nakowa in urging all unlicensed practitioners to regularize their operations through registration with the two recognized bodies to promote safe and effective traditional medicine practice in Nigeria.
