Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has begun developing a national digital database of traditional medicine practitioners to improve regulation and standardisation of the sector.
The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Martins Emeje, disclosed this in Abuja, saying the initiative aims to properly document practitioners, their locations, services and products across the country.
Emeje said the move was necessary because about 80 per cent of Nigerians rely on traditional medicine, especially in rural areas with limited access to conventional healthcare.
According to him, the database will help restore order, improve credibility and give Nigerian natural medicine better global recognition.
READ ALSO
- Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to N1,275/Litre After Multiple Hikes
- US Deploys Drones, 200 Troops to Nigeria for Intelligence Support
- NBSL 2026: League Begins as BAM Projects, Kada BSC Shine
He explained that practitioners would be digitally registered, physically verified and issued identification numbers, with full records of their practice locations.
A pilot project has already been completed in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State and will be expanded to all 774 local government areas, subject to funding.
Emeje said the project aligns with the World Health Organisation’s strategy on traditional medicine and will support research, education and policy development in the sector.
About The Author
