Nigeria could become a net exporter of traditional medicines within a year, potentially surpassing oil revenue, according to the NNMDA DG. Lawmakers pledge support

The Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje, has announced ambitious plans for Nigeria to become a significant global player in the traditional medicine market.

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Speaking during a visit from the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance in Lagos, Professor Emeje stated that with the right governmental backing and policies, the nation possesses the potential to become a net exporter of natural medicines within the next 12 months.

He boldly suggested that this sector could even generate more revenue for Nigeria than its current reliance on oil.

Professor Emeje expressed confidence in the NNMDA’s capacity to develop globally accepted natural medicines, provided the agency receives adequate staffing and financial support.

He passionately called upon lawmakers to actively support the existing resolution on natural medicine by allocating the necessary financial and human resources. “I need at least 15,000 staff to get this country to turn around, and nobody will be looking for oil money,” he asserted.

Outlining a strategic vision, Professor Emeje explained, “If they give me 15,000 staff, we will deploy 20 to each local government, and in 12 months, this country will be a net exporter of medicinal plants and natural medicines—both in their raw form, processed and standardised, and as medical products for intervention.”

He further envisioned a future where Nigerians would have “100 per cent access to medicine and healthcare—universal health coverage, using our own natural medicine.”

The Chairman of the Committee on Legislative Compliance, Badau Ahmed, who led the delegation, responded positively to the NNMDA’s vision.

He affirmed that the development of natural medicine would significantly enhance healthcare delivery across the country and, if successfully implemented, would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign and imported pharmaceutical products.

Mr. Ahmed assured the NNMDA of the lawmakers’ readiness to support their efforts in developing a comprehensive natural medicine sector. He also highlighted the potential for large-scale development of natural medicine to create substantial job opportunities for Nigeria’s youth nationwide.

“This move by the NNMDA to develop and promote traditional medicine is encouraging. It will reduce costs and dependence on foreign medicine,” he stated. “So, at the same time, this plan will help our teeming youths by creating job opportunities in our communities across the country.”

The committee chairman requested the NNMDA to formalise their plans in writing and submit them for legislative action, pledging to “take it from there and put it into action.”

This working visit follows a recent motion adopted by the House of Representatives on the “need for Nigerians to promote and prioritise natural medicine.

” The motion, sponsored by Mr Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, highlighted the global trend towards nature-based remedies and emphasised the accessibility and preference for traditional medicine in many Nigerian communities. Mr Ukpong-Udo expressed concern that Nigeria had not fully capitalised on its natural medicine potential, often subordinating it to imported alternatives.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services and Science and Technology to collaborate with stakeholders and the NNMDA to “strategise with stakeholders and the Natural Medicine Development Agency” and to “connect the possibilities of natural medicine, reorient Nigerians, and look inwards for solutions to health challenges.”