Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry can gain global prominence by harnessing its rich natural resources, says Prof. Martins Emeje, Director General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA).

In a recent interview with Pharmanews, Prof. Emeje emphasized that leveraging Nigeria’s traditional knowledge and ecological base is crucial for enhancing economic empowerment and primary healthcare. He highlighted the need for robust, home-grown research protocols to validate traditional medicines, rather than relying solely on orthodox approaches.

Emeje called for the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and traditional leaders, in standardizing and globalizing Nigeria’s herbal medicines. He also proposed integrating traditional knowledge into school curricula to foster sustainable development in the natural medicine sector.