The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency, NNMDA, has achieved a significant milestone by developing 27 natural health products, including medicines and supplements, over the past two years.
Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, during a review of the agency’s progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, attributed this success to the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the implementation of the 2022 National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation.
He emphasized that all 27 products were developed entirely from locally sourced natural resources, including plants, soil, water, and animals.
“We have successfully developed 27 products. Five already have NAFDAC registration numbers, while 18 others are in advanced stages of regulatory assessment,” Emeje said. “Most of these remaining products have NAFDAC application numbers and are undergoing final evaluations.”
The newly developed remedies span a range of pressing health issues in Nigeria, including sickle cell disease, diabetes, ulcers, diarrhoea, immune system enhancement, anti-aging, and malaria prevention.
The agency’s goal is not only to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported pharmaceutical products but also to create healthcare solutions rooted in the country’s biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
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Prof. Emeje described the development as “historic,” noting that the agency’s achievements mark a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to healthcare.
He stressed that innovation in Africa must be context-specific, with solutions grounded in local realities. “Every problem is local, and so must every solution be. Africa’s health challenges can only be addressed through its natural resources,” he said.
He credited the progress to increased political will and strong policy support under the current administration, especially via the STI policy, which provides a comprehensive framework for advancing science and technology.
The policy is aligned with the eight foundational pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes promoting health security and fostering indigenous innovation.
Looking ahead, Prof. Emeje reaffirmed the NNMDA’s commitment to driving forward its vision of making Nigeria a continental leader in scientifically validated traditional medicine.
He said the agency is intensifying research and development efforts and strengthening collaborations with universities, research institutes, and global partners to push the frontiers of natural medicine.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance national healthcare resilience, create employment through the herbal medicine value chain, and tap into the growing global demand for alternative and complementary medicine.
As the NNMDA continues its work, health experts and policymakers have lauded the agency’s progress, calling for increased investment in natural medicine and faster regulatory processes to bring the products to market efficiently.
NAN
