Traditional medicine has been an integral part of Nigerian culture for centuries, yet it continues to face scepticism by millions of citizens. Several reasons have been adduced for this, including the absence of standards, weak regulation and a colonial mindset.
In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the Director General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Martins Emeje, discusses traditional medicine, the agency’s efforts to standardise and regulate the field, and how innovations like nanotechnology are transforming herbal treatments.
Mr Emeje, a professor of drug delivery/nanomedicine, also discusses the potential of traditional medicine to create millions of jobs, the need for academic recognition, and his vision for its integration into Nigeria’s
healthcare system.
