Lagos:The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has developed over 22 scientifically validated herbal medicines under the administration of President Bola Tinubu since 2023.
Accourding to News Agency of Nigeria, NNMDA, established in 1997, is tasked with researching, developing, documenting, preserving, and promoting Nigeria’s natural medicine, facilitating its integration into the national healthcare system. The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, revealed these developments in an interview, highlighting advancements in indigenous medicine research and product development, alongside training and documentation efforts.
One notable achievement under NNMDA’s current leadership is the production of scientifically developed natural medicine products. In July 2026, the Federal Government unveiled seven additional indigenous herbal medicines developed by NNMDA, targeting conditions such as hepatitis B, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, male sexual health disorders, and selected cancers. These products have been developed through rigorous scientific processes, including laboratory analysis, standardisation, safety assessments, and efficacy studies.
Prof. Emeje emphasized that the agency is collaborating with relevant regulatory bodies to facilitate the approval and commercialization of these medicines, which aim to address national health priorities and reduce reliance on imported pharmaceutical products. He also highlighted the establishment of the country’s first public herbal pharmacy at NNMDA’s Kofo Abayomi facility in Lagos, which has garnered interest from researchers and institutions.
The agency has strengthened collaborations with universities, research institutions, traditional medicine practitioners, and private-sector organisations to foster innovation. It has expanded training programs for practitioners and researchers, improving the documentation and protection of indigenous knowledge. Efforts have also been made to build formal training structures through the Nigeria College of Natural Medicine Technology.
NNMDA’s initiatives have gained international visibility, opening opportunities for partnerships and technology transfer. Prof. Emeje’s appointment as co-chair of the World Health Organisation’s advisory group on traditional medicine underscores this global recognition. The agency’s work includes developing pharmaceutical-grade starch from Nigeria’s cassava resources, aiming to reduce import dependence and create opportunities within the cassava and pharmaceutical value chains.
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology announced plans to integrate NNMDA’s products into its research-commercialisation framework, moving innovations from laboratories to the market. The agency continues to support research and development, strengthen quality control, and promote the integration of traditional medicine into the national healthcare system.
Prof. Emeje expressed optimism about positioning Nigeria as a leading center for natural medicine research and production in Africa, calling for increased investment in natural medicine research and encouraging young scientists and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the field. The agency aims to establish a robust natural medicine value chain linking research institutions, farmers, manufacturers, regulators, and healthcare providers.
NNMDA is also focusing on preserving and sustainably harvesting medicinal plants, warning against indiscriminate exploitation. The agency stresses the importance of public education to prevent counterfeit or misleading herbal products and advocates for evidence-based decisions in healthcare. Prof. Emeje remains confident that collaboration among government agencies, academia, industry, and traditional medicine practitioners will accelerate sector growth and improve health outcomes.