By Ijeoma Nwanosike

The Director General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje, has called on the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to approve the sum of N2 billion to facilitate clinical trials in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

This appeal was made during a working visit by the committee members to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

According to Emeje, the clinical trials would focus on diseases such as sickle cell, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and urinary tract infections. He disclosed that the trials would be conducted pro bono over three years, to integrate natural medicine into mainstream healthcare delivery.

In addition, the agency has graduated its first cohort of natural medicine pharmacists following its accreditation as an internship centre by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Speaking on the future of the agency, Emeje expressed optimism about the direction the agency is headed.

He stated that he had always envisioned a time when natural medicine would gain national priority, and he described the visit by the lawmakers as a significant step toward achieving that vision.

Emeje further emphasized the need for increased funding and manpower, stating that the agency currently operates with only 136 staff members but would require at least 15,000 to fully harness the potential of Nigeria’s natural medicine sector.

“If given the support, we can deploy staff across the country and turn Nigeria into a net exporter of medicinal plants and products. This would ensure universal healthcare access through our own indigenous natural medicine,” he added.

Explaining the significance of clinical trials, he noted that they represent the final stage in drug development, which involves administering products to humans or animals to confirm efficacy and safety.

He revealed that some of the agency’s products had already received preliminary approval from NAFDAC and would proceed to clinical trials once funding is secured.

He commended the efforts of NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, noting that both agencies have been working closely to push the natural medicine agenda forward.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, Ahmad Badau (Shanono/Bagwai Constituency, Kano State), described the appeal as “encouraging” and pledged the committee’s support. He urged the agency to submit formal proposals for further legislative action.

“The visit has been very encouraging. It will help develop traditional medicine and reduce dependence on foreign drugs. It will also create job opportunities for our youth,” Badau said.

Badau expressed confidence that with sustained effort, Nigeria could shift significantly toward self-reliance in healthcare. He concluded by reiterating that the National Assembly’s support would depend on the commitment of the agency.

“What the agency presents to us is what we will act on,” he said.