FG Sets Research, Safety Standards for Traditional Medicine

The federal government has called for rigorous scientific research, effective regulation and stronger quality assurance in traditional medicine, warning that cultural acceptance alone cannot be regarded as evidence of safety or efficacy.

The minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the call in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day, themed, “Around Research and Development in Traditional Medicine Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the African Region.”

Salako said Nigeria must strengthen research and evidence generation, regulation, quality assurance and documentation if traditional medicine is to play a meaningful role in the country’s healthcare system.

“The future of traditional medicine must be built on rigorous research, effective regulation, quality assurance, ethical practice, documentation and continuous evaluation,” he said.

The Minister stressed that while traditional medicine remained an important part of Nigeria’s health heritage, products and practices must undergo scientific evaluation to establish their safety, efficacy and quality.

“The government is clear that cultural acceptance alone cannot constitute scientific evidence,” Salako stated.

He said the Nigerian Traditional Medicine Policy provides a framework for the appropriate development and integration of traditional medicine into the national healthcare system.

According to him, the Federal Government has taken steps to strengthen the sector, including the establishment of the Department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

He added that the department was mandated to develop and implement policies, promote the development and commercialisation of Nigerian traditional medicine and facilitate its integration into the national health system.

Salako disclosed that government unveiled the Strategic Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Traditional Medicine Policy in 2025, alongside the Code of Ethics and Practice for Traditional Medicine Practitioners.

He said the initiatives were aimed at improving standardisation, professional conduct, safety, quality assurance and evidence-based practice.

The Minister said government would prioritise research and evidence generation, regulation and quality assurance, documentation and preservation of indigenous knowledge, local production and innovation, as well as the integration of safe and effective traditional medicine into conventional healthcare.

He urged traditional medicine practitioners to embrace research, proper documentation, ethical practice and collaboration, while calling on researchers and academics to intensify investigations into traditional remedies and translate validated findings into practical health solutions.

Salako also tasked regulatory agencies with developing and enforcing frameworks capable of guaranteeing the safety, quality and efficacy of traditional medicine products.

He encouraged private investors to explore opportunities in research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of scientifically validated traditional medicine products.

The Minister further called on development partners and international organisations to support African-led research and capacity building through equitable partnerships.

He said Nigeria’s approach must balance the preservation of indigenous knowledge with modern scientific standards, while protecting community intellectual property, promoting innovation and expanding access without compromising patient safety.

“Traditional medicine and modern medicine should not be viewed simply as competing systems. Evidence demonstrates that they can work together safely and effectively,” Salako said.

He added that both systems should become complementary components of a stronger, more responsive and people-centred healthcare system.