Nigeria Targets Net Exporter Status For Medicinal Plants, Others

Nigeria is setting sight on becoming a net exporter of medicinal plants and natural medicines within the next 12 months.

The director-general, Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Prof. Martins Emeje, who made the projection at a press briefing in Lagos, said the agency had rolled out a comprehensive national strategy to mainstream and commercialise traditional medicine.

Emeje said with adequate funding and support, Nigeria could lead Africa in the global herbal medicine market, adding that the agency was seeking N2 billion in funding and approval to deploy 15,480 personnel across the 774 local government areas to execute its nationwide traditional medicine initiative.

The director general said the goal was not only to improve healthcare delivery through the use of scientifically validated herbal remedies but also to tap into the immense economic potential of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.

“With the right investment, Nigeria will become a net exporter of medicinal plants and natural medicine products within one year,” he stated.

Key elements of NNMDA’s plan include conducting clinical trials on herbal formulations for diseases such as malaria, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, urinary tract infections and skin diseases.

The agency is also working to establish a national herbal pharmacopoeia, a digital pharmaceutical database, and a repository of indigenous medical knowledge.

“The agency has already taken significant steps toward international collaboration, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Niger Data Invest and partnering with global health organisations to advance traditional medicine research and commercialisation.

“NNMDA’s work is also backed by policy reforms. Traditional medicine practitioners will now be required to undergo certified training through a national skills acquisition program to ensure standardization and safety in the sector,” he said.

In his remarks, the chairman, House Committee on Legislative Compliance, Hon. Badau Yusuf Ahmed, assured the agency of the legislature’s commitment to its goals. He described the agency’s plans as “encouraging” and underscored their potential to reduce healthcare costs and promote economic development.