By Doris Obinna
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) in promoting the production, regulation, and export of natural medicine. The move aims to enhance healthcare delivery and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria.
During a working visit to NNMDA’s headquarters in Lagos, Hon. Yusuf Ahmed-Badau, Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s natural medicine resources.
“This move by the NNMDA to develop and promote traditional medicine is encouraging. It will reduce costs and dependence on foreign medicine while creating job opportunities across communities,” he stated. He added that the House of Representatives is ready to back NNMDA’s initiatives through legislative support.
NNMDA Director-General Prof. Martins Emeje urged lawmakers to provide increased funding and legislative backing. “With the right allocation and improved staffing, we can harness natural resources from each local government to treat diseases specific to those areas,” he said. Emeje noted that this approach would improve public health and reduce reliance on imported drugs.
Moreover, Emeje emphasised Nigeria’s rich biodiversity. Every region in Nigeria possesses unique plants, animals, and minerals that can be explored for curative purposes, he said, aligning with global trends towards nature-based healthcare.
The visit follows a House motion titled “Need for Nigerians to Promote and Prioritise Natural Medicine,” sponsored by Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State). Ukpong-Udo stressed that “natural remedies remain the most accessible form of healthcare in many Nigerian communities.” He cautioned against prioritising imported medicines over traditional remedies.
The House directed its Committees on Healthcare Services and Science and Technology to work with NNMDA and stakeholders to unlock natural medicine’s potential. With government support, stakeholders are hopeful that NNMDA’s efforts will drive job creation, improve health outcomes, and boost natural medicine exports.
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