The President of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Alhaji Shaaba Mekudi, has called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill establishing the Traditional, Complimentary, and Alternative Council of Nigeria.
Speaking at a workshop in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Mekudi emphasised that the council’s establishment would regulate traditional medicine practices and elevate their standards to align with international expectations.
Highlighting the importance of such a council, Mekudi said, “Countries like China and Ghana have achieved remarkable progress in herbal medicine due to government support. Nigeria has the resources, manpower, and raw materials but lacks the necessary regulatory framework to package and market these medicines effectively.”
The workshop, themed *“The Impacts of NAFDAC in the Preparation and Selling of Herbal Medicine in Nigeria,”* was organised by NANTMP’s South-West branch in collaboration with the United Nations Federation of International Astro.
Prof. Olumuyiwa Babalola, the African Director for the United Nations Federation of International Astro, stressed the potential of traditional medicine to complement Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He announced plans to work with Nigeria’s health ministries to create certification programmes and accreditation systems, ensuring the safety and reliability of traditional medicine.
South-West NANTMP President, Samson Soyoye, urged practitioners to familiarise themselves with the law and adopt ethical business practices.
He noted that the workshop was a platform to enhance their knowledge and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Mekudi further called for unity among members, stating that collective efforts would help elevate the status of traditional medicine in Nigeria.
