Through the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), the federal government has taken a bold, homegrown approach to tackling malaria, with its natural, indigenous malaria-intervention kits, developed from local bio-resources.
The director-general of NNMDA, Prof Martins Emeje, disclosed this at an event in Lagos to celebrate his two years in office under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Emeje emphasised the importance of reclaiming national identity in healthcare, adding, “We must move away from the colonial mindset that devalues our traditional knowledge. Natural medicine is not ‘alternative.’ It is mainstream. Over 160 million Nigerians use traditional medicine annually.”
He also made an emotional appeal to the presidency. “We are begging President Bola Tinubu to officially endorse Nigerian herbal medications. If our president validates our local solutions, others will follow. We need that political will to elevate our innovations beyond just lab samples, to real national policy,” Emeje said.
The DG revealed that the agency’s work is contributing to economic development as well. “Developing one local plant into a pharmaceutical product can create up to 3.8 million jobs. Right now, we are importing drugs made from plants that are grown right here. We are essentially paying foreign salaries with the importation of drugs,” he said.
NNMDA is also building the first national digital database of traditional medicine practitioners, enabling easy access to information on verified providers and their services. “This is our way of ensuring universal health coverage, backed by regulation,” Emeje said.
He said under his leadership, the agency has submitted seven proposals to international grant bodies and won three, proof that Nigerian scientists can deliver world-class solutions.
With these strides, NNMDA is positioning itself not just as a defender of tradition but as a catalyst for modern, culturally grounded healthcare. “We are not just preserving our past. We are transforming it into a sustainable, national health asset,” Emeje averred.
“Resistance is growing, and we had to act. The malaria parasite is no longer responding effectively to several commonly sold combination drugs in Nigeria. This is why we turned to indigenous knowledge, our roots, and developed products based on traditional remedies and local plants,” declared Chief Hassan Lawal, one of the lead scientists on NNMDA’s malaria project. “
Lawal explained that the agency’s research began with collaboration, adding, “Traditional healers across various Nigerian communities were consulted to identify herbs used in treating malaria. We documented their practices, then subjected the plants to rigorous laboratory testing to verify safety, potency, and efficacy.”
The outcome? A trio of innovative, eco-friendly products targeting not just malaria symptoms, but the vector responsible for transmission. The products include an herbal indoor spray, a mosquito-repellent body cream, and a plant-based larvicide that disrupts the mosquito life cycle by targeting larvae in stagnant water. All three, Lawal noted, were tested for toxicity and proven safe for public use.
“Our indoor spray is safe for children and adults. You don’t even need to vacate the room after using it. For people who sit outdoors in the evenings, our body cream offers protection without causing skin irritation,” he said.
In addition to these, the agency introduced a new herbal tea designed to alleviate malaria symptoms. Made from locally sourced plant extracts, the tea is packaged in 30 sachets and requires just two bags per dose. “Most users feel better within 48 hours,” Lawal said.
Several dignitaries at the event praised the agency’s efforts, which align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
For instance, the commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, who was represented by the assistant commissioner of police, (Dr) Abosede Salami, commended NNMDA’s rapid impact, stating, “Within just two years, this agency has significantly contributed to public health by promoting indigenous medicine. You are laying a strong foundation for a healthier and more self-reliant Nigeria.”
General officer commanding 81 Division, Nigeria Army, Major General FU Mijinyawa, represented by a medical practitioner at 81 Division, Nigeria Army, Col. Samson Idowu, praised the agency’s integration of science and tradition. “You’ve created a roadmap for long-term impact. The military’s medical corps stands ready to collaborate. It is heartening to see traditional remedies getting the scientific validation they deserve,” he said.
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