Herbal Medicine Nigeria: FG Unveils Bold 12-Member Team

Herbal Medicine Nigeria: FG Unveils Bold 12-Member  Team

Herbal medicine Nigeria is stepping into a new era as the Federal Government takes a bold step to officially blend traditional healing with modern healthcare. Through the launch of a high-level Ministerial Committee, the government plans to turn Nigeria’s centuries-old herbal practices into a structured industry that delivers both healing and economic growth.

This newly formed committee will focus on building a strong value chain for phytomedicine—plant-based medical products—with the aim of developing, regulating, and commercializing them at scale.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that Nigeria’s indigenous medicine has the potential to improve lives and livelihoods. For communities that have depended on herbal remedies for generations, this recognition is not just long overdue—it’s powerful validation.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, inaugurated the committee in Abuja. Speaking at the event, he said the goal goes beyond medical reform. He called it a strategic economic plan that could spark job creation, wealth generation, and rural development.

“This is not just a health policy; it is also a socio-economic policy,” Dr. Salako said firmly.

He explained that the government’s plan will create jobs in areas such as conservation, cultivation, and harvesting of medicinal plants. Local industries will also benefit from the production and packaging of certified herbal products. In short, the plan links the health of the people to the health of the economy.

Dr. Salako emphasized that Nigeria is rich in biodiversity and home to thousands of medicinal plants. He believes this is a strategic asset that can position the country in the booming global herbal medicine market, which is projected to hit over $150 billion in the coming years.

“This will ensure Nigeria’s participation in the fast-growing global market for herbal medicinal products and contribute meaningfully to our national economy,” he said.

The initiative arrives at a time when many Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, still rely heavily on traditional medicine. For these communities, hospitals are far, and prescriptions are expensive. Their first response to illness often comes from roots, herbs, and the knowledge of elders.

However, traditional healing practices have long lacked the recognition and regulation they need to grow and evolve. That’s where the new committee comes in.

Leading the committee is Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). He said the group is committed to creating a reliable and regulated phytomedicine system that prioritizes quality, safety, and scientific backing.

He explained that the committee will identify promising herbal products, set safety standards, and shape laws and policies to support herbal medicine as a formal industry.

The team includes representatives from across government, the private sector, traditional and natural medicine practitioners, and global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO). Their combined mission is to build a framework that allows traditional medicine to grow alongside modern healthcare.

The committee’s responsibilities include:

Creating a framework for commercializing herbal products

Selecting high-potential herbs for national production

Proposing legal and regulatory reforms

Encouraging training and skill development

Attracting investment into the herbal medicine sector

Aligning Nigeria’s traditional medicine policies with WHO best practices

This push for phytomedicine is part of Nigeria’s broader vision to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), promote economic diversification, and reduce dependency on foreign drugs. The government believes that developing local herbal solutions can protect the country from drug shortages and global supply chain disruptions, especially during health emergencies.

Beyond the economics, the human side of this story is just as compelling.

For rural families, this move could bring access to safe, affordable treatment that respects their culture and experience. For traditional healers, it offers recognition, training, and a pathway to improve their craft. And for Nigeria’s youth, it creates new job paths in herbal farming, scientific research, and health product development.

For instance, a farmer in Ebonyi State who cultivates medicinal plants could see his produce transported to a government-approved factory, where it is processed under hygienic conditions and packaged for local pharmacies. A young scientist in Ibadan could test the extract’s effectiveness in a certified lab. A woman in Kano might finally receive a herbal product with clear dosage instructions approved by the health ministry.

This is the kind of future the committee hopes to build—one where tradition and science meet for the good of everyone.

• 
  Celebrities

  Comedian Socket CFR Touches 100 Lives in Mother’s Memory
• 
  Agriculture

  Mastering the Art of How to Raise Chickens for Eggs: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
• 
  Business and Economy

  Kaduna’s IGR Hits N62.49 Billion, Sets Record in Northern Nigeria

Of course, there are hurdles. Many herbal products in the market today still lack proper testing or standardization. There is also skepticism among some medical professionals about the effectiveness of traditional remedies. Dr. Salako acknowledged these concerns but believes collaboration and regulation can bridge the gap.

By investing in research, funding scientific studies, and promoting collaboration between modern doctors and traditional healers, the government believes it can set a new global standard for African herbal medicine.

International interest is growing too. The WHO has long encouraged nations with rich herbal knowledge to formally integrate traditional medicine into their health systems. Nigeria’s latest move aligns with that global trend and could attract technical support, trade partnerships, and funding from abroad.

For Nigerians, the message is clear: our heritage has value, not only in stories but also in solutions. By embracing our roots, we can grow a healthier and wealthier nation.

Dr. Salako summed it up best: “We are not discarding our roots; we are building on them.”

This story isn’t just about herbs or health. It’s about building trust between old and new, and showing the world that Nigeria’s healing power lies not only in pills but also in plants.