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Traditional remedies like “agbo” and “ogwu igbo” are set to get institutional support as the federal government embarks on a bold plan to integrate herbal medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare and economic framework.
The Federal Government has announced a strategic plan to harness and commercialise phytomedicines herbal or botanical-based treatments long relied upon by millions of Nigerians.
Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), revealed the initiative in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
He said the move marks a significant shift from years of neglect and lip service toward traditional medicine.
According to Adigwe, a ministerial committee has been inaugurated to oversee the development and commercialisation of phytomedicines, with NIPRD appointed to coordinate the nationwide effort.
“For a long time, phytomedicines only got lip service, but this administration is taking bold, concrete steps,” said Adigwe. “I must commend the ministers of health for driving this vision.”
He noted that 70 to 75 percent of Nigerians still rely on traditional remedies such as agbo, magani, and ogwu igbo for treating ailments—despite the sector suffering from a lack of institutional backing.
Adigwe highlighted past NIPRD milestones, including the development of a sickle cell treatment from local plants and its role in the global review of Madagascar’s controversial COVID Organics during the pandemic.
The newly formed committee, he said, reflects a multi-sectoral approach, including stakeholders from academia, traditional medicine practitioners, local pharmaceutical firms, public institutions, and members of the diaspora.
“We are integrating agriculture, small and medium enterprises, trade, foreign partnerships, everything that can make phytomedicines a catalyst for both health and economic development,” he added.
Adigwe emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), and could benefit more than 200 universities, 150 pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the millions of Nigerians who rely on herbal care.
Drawing parallels with countries like India and China, he noted that Nigeria could also transform its traditional medicine sector into a globally competitive industry—with the right blend of policy support, research funding, and private investment.
According to him, “We urge wealthy Nigerians and philanthropists to invest in scientific research. We also encourage public participation, there’s a questionnaire on the NIPRD website at www.niprd.gov.ng, and we want every Nigerian to take part.”