THE EFFICACY AND EVOLUTION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN NIGERIA
In a world plagued with diseases of all types, shapes and forms, man has for ages sought ways and means of containing, treating and stopping these ailments so as to live well and happy. One way of engaging these diseases is the deployment of medication. In this report, our senior reporter, Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong explores the world of traditional medicine in the fight against ill health in Nigeria. You are welcome to the arena, and happy reading.
By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Traditional medicine offers proven efficacy for various conditions, yet its success remains a subject of debate. Its effectiveness often hinges on the specific treatment used, the expertise of the practitioner, and the strength of the regulatory framework surrounding it.
While some traditional practices have been scientifically validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), critics argue that many treatments still lack the rigorous empirical proof required to standardize production.
A Legacy of Healing
In Nigeria, traditional medicine is woven into the cultural fabric, dating back thousands of years. In the pre-colonial era, healers such as the Babalawos or Ifa priests among the Yoruba utilized herbal remedies, divination, and spiritual rites to maintain community health.
Though Western medicine arrived during the colonial era, traditional practices persisted, often blending with new influences. Following independence, the Nigerian government began formal recognition of the sector, establishing the Traditional Medicine Council in 1975. Today, the Traditional Medicine Act of 2014 provides a legal framework for registration and standards, allowing many Nigerians to use herbal remedies alongside modern healthcare.
Global Recognition and Research
The international community is increasingly taking note of Nigeria’s traditional medicine landscape. The WHO recognizes the work of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA). Notably, Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the NNMDA, was appointed co-chair of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (STAG-TM) in December 2025.
The NNMDA is currently collaborating with the WHO to develop a comprehensive database of practitioners. To date, the agency has developed 27 natural medicines and health supplements, five of which have already secured NAFDAC registration numbers.
Addressing Modern Plagues
Research suggests that Nigerian flora holds significant potential for managing global health crises: HIV/AIDS: Plants such as Moringa oleifera, Elaeis guineensis, and Acacia nilotica are frequently used by practitioners. Studies have identified compounds in Tithonia diversifolia and Oldenlandia affinis that show promise in managing the virus.
Viral Infections: The antiviral properties of Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) have shown effectiveness against hepatitis, yellow fever, and HIV.
Lassa Fever & Ebola: Practitioners use Plumbago zeylanica to treat Lassa fever, while certain antimalarial plants are being studied for their potential against the Ebola virus.
The Threat of Urbanization and Climate Change
Despite its potential, the “pharmacy of the forest” is under threat. According to the 2015 Fifth National Biodiversity Report, Nigeria boasts 91 indigenous flora species across 44 families. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists 15 of these species as critically endangered.
Experts warn that climate change and rapid urbanization are altering the very chemistry of these plants. Akeem Kadiri, a professor of botany at the University of Lagos, notes: “The plant may not be as efficacious as it used to be. Practitioners now observe that leaves are smaller and extracts less potent than in decades past.”
Beyond climate, infrastructure development is a primary culprit. Idowu Johnson, founder of the Research Institute for Traditional and Alternative Medicine (RITAM), explains that when giant timbers are felled for development, the delicate ecosystem for plants like African mistletoe is destroyed.
The Challenge of Regulation and Perception
Nigeria’s conventional healthcare system is often underfunded and inaccessible, driving up to 80% of the population toward herbal alternatives. However, the sector faces two significant hurdles:
Sustainability: Many practitioners lack training in sustainable harvesting. Prof. Kadiri advocates for a “10% harvesting attitude”—taking only what the plant can regenerate to ensure survival.
Stigma: Younger generations often view traditional medicine through the lens of “animism” or superstition, a perception frequently reinforced by Nollywood portrayals of herbalists as occult figures rather than keepers of indigenous knowledge.
The Path Forward: Integrative Medicine
To bridge the gap, some conventionally trained providers are adopting an integrative approach. Kate Chinwe Eze, a healthcare provider and devout Christian, combines both methods. “I use the two approaches so that my treatment will be fast,” she says, applying this hybrid model to ailments like infertility and hypertension. Similarly, Islamic medicine is gaining traction, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where it is often blended with traditional Hausa healing.
For Nigeria to truly safeguard its medicinal heritage, government efforts must move beyond “half-hearted” reforestation plans. Protecting these botanical assets is not just about preserving culture; it is about securing the future of primary healthcare for millions.
