In Nigeria, millions still rely on traditional medicine as their primary healthcare option, especially in rural communities where access to hospitals is limited.
Despite its importance, the country’s Traditional Medicine Policy, introduced in 2007, has failed to bring tangible progress or integration into the national health system.
The policy remains mostly ignored, leaving traditional medicine practitioners without formal recognition or legal backing.
The policy aimed to regulate, promote, and integrate traditional and complementary medicine with conventional healthcare.
It called for a training programme, certification, and a national council to oversee practitioners. Nevertheless, nearly two decades later, no effective regulatory body has been established.
Bills meant to create such councils have stalled repeatedly in the National Assembly.
As a result, herbalists and traditional healers continue to work outside the formal health sector, lacking official licenses or a clear professional path.
Institutions like the Nigerian College of Natural Medicine Technology and others train thousands of practitioners yearly, but their certificates hold no legal weight in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
There are no accredited degree programmes or standardised licensing processes for these practitioners.
The Federal Ministry of Health established a department for Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine in 2018, but its influence remains limited.
Agencies like NAFDAC regulate herbal products but do not extend this oversight to practitioners themselves.
The Natural Medicine Development Agency, established in 2019 to promote research, continues to operate without a central governing council, resulting in a fragmented sector.
Some states, such as Anambra under Governor Charles Soludo, have enacted laws supporting herbal practices; however, these remain isolated efforts without national coordination.
This neglect comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s healthcare system.
With many trained doctors and nurses emigrating in search of better opportunities, the country faces a severe shortage of medical professionals.
Foreign health aid is also declining due to concerns over transparency and inefficiencies.
Traditional medicine could help fill this gap, but policy inaction keeps it on the sidelines.
The National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners has repeatedly urged the government to pass the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Council of Nigeria Bill.
Their request is straightforward: to be recognised, licensed, and given a formal role in healthcare delivery.
This would give graduates of herbal schools a legitimate chance to contribute to national health efforts.
Without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks wasting a valuable resource that could help ease pressure on hospitals and meet the healthcare needs of millions.
The 2007 policy needs to be revived and updated with a functioning regulatory council, an accredited education programme, legal recognition, and clear collaboration between traditional health workers.
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