The Federal Government has promised deeper investments, stronger regulation and international collaboration to strengthen the basis of evidence of traditional medicine in Nigeria, as part of efforts to integrate indigenous health practices into the National Medical Care System.
Speaking in the commemoration of Traditional African Medicine Day 2025 in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said the government is committed to transforming traditional medicine into a “reliable and respected part” of the nation’s health architecture under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Salako announced two key documents: the strategic action plan for the implementation of traditional medicine policy and the code of ethics and practice for traditional medicine professionals, which describes them as “roadmap” for implementers and policy professionals to guarantee standardization, safety and quality guarantee.
“The evidence is the bridge between belief and politics,” Salako said. “Our goal is to document, standardize and integrate traditional evidence based on the National Health System of Nigeria, create opportunities for job creation, local manufacturing and best access to health.”
Salako described several government -led initiatives to strengthen traditional medicine, which include among others:
The creation of the Department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) in the Ministry of Health.
Development of traditional medicine policy for Nigeria and the Nigerian herbal pharmacopoeia, which documents more than 200 medicinal plants and its uses.
Plans to relive the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), closed in 2010, to improve the training of professionals.
Directives of the 36 States and the FCT to establish departments or TCAM Boards, in line with the resolutions of the 62nd National Health Council.
The associations strengthened with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Health Organization of Western Africa (WAHO) and countries like China and India for technical and research support.
Salako emphasized that Nigeria’s approach towards traditional medicine aims to take advantage of indigenous knowledge for universal health coverage (UHC) and economic development while guaranteeing ethical research, the exchange of fair benefits and respect for the intellectual property rights of local communities.
Salako, citing global opportunities, citing lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, requested that Africa position traditional medicine on the global stage, with scientific evidence such as its “passport.”
“Traditional medicine and modern medicine are not rivals but allies,” he said. “Nigeria is ready to lead Africa in the advancement of indigenous health -based health solutions.”
The minister urged the healers, researchers, traditional policy formulators and the private sector to collaborate in the documentation, standardization and marketing of Nigeria’s phytomedicine resources to attract global recognition and investment.
Speaking before, the permanent secretary Daju Kachollom Mni; Represented by his technical assistant Dr. Dogara Okara; Emphasize that this year’s issue resonates with the strategic vision of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, since it underlined the urgent need to integrate scientific research and empirical validation in our rich and diverse practice of traditional medicine.
“Today, we are proud to present the Code of Ethics and Practice for Traditional Medicine, which will serve as a guide frame for professional behavior. This code is designed to defend the highest standards of integrity, responsibility and patient care among professionals,” said the permanent secretary.
Delivering good will comments, the representative of the WHO representative, Dr. Hamzat Omotayo, transmitted a message from the WHO regional director for Africa, urging member states to strengthen evidence -based practices and regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine.
“For many people in the African region, traditional medicine remains a cornerstone of medical care,” said Dr. Omotayo. “Every year since August 31, 2003, Traditional African Medicine Day has served as a reminder of the vital role that traditional medicine plays in the lives of millions throughout our continent.”
The event marked this year’s traditional African medicine day, with the theme “Strengthen the basis of evidence of traditional medicine”, with the interested parties of the entire health sector, including regulatory agencies, research institutes and professionals.
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