FG unveils strategic plan and code of ethics to standardize, regulate, and integrate traditional medicine into the national healthcare system
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Nigeria has taken a decisive step to integrate traditional medicine into its national healthcare system through evidence-based policies and stronger regulation. On Monday, 1 September 2025, the Federal Government unveiled the Strategic Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Traditional Medicine Policy and the Code of Ethics and Practice for Traditional Medicine Practitioners, marking a new era for indigenous health practices.
The launch, held at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja as part of the 2025 African Traditional Medicine Day, was led by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. The event also included representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), West African Health Organization (WAHO), and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
Dr. Salako described the newly unveiled documents as “roadmaps” to guide practitioners and policymakers in ensuring standardization, safety, and quality assurance. He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming traditional medicine into a “reliable and respected” component of Nigeria’s healthcare system under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Evidence is the bridge between belief and policy,” Dr. Salako said. “Our goal is to document, standardize, and integrate evidence-based traditional medicine into Nigeria’s national health system, creating opportunities for job creation, local manufacturing, and improved healthcare access.”
The initiative encompasses several key actions:
Establishing the Department of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) within the Ministry of Health.
Developing the Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, documenting over 200 medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses.
Reviving the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), closed in 2010, to enhance practitioner training.
Directing all 36 states and the FCT to establish TCAM departments or boards, aligning with the 62nd National Council on Health resolutions.
Strengthening collaborations with WHO, WAHO, and countries including China and India for technical support and research partnerships.
Experts say this initiative positions Nigeria to preserve its traditional knowledge while applying scientific rigor to healthcare practices. By bridging traditional expertise with modern research, the government aims to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for all Nigerians.
The Federal Government remains committed to supporting the development, promotion, and regulation of traditional medicine through key policies, programs, and projects, ensuring its rightful place in the nation’s healthcare system.
