In this interview, Prof. Martins Emeje, DG of NNMDA, discusses the agency’s recent achievements and priorities for the future. He highlights the launch of innovative herbal treatments, the economic and employment benefits of medicinal plant cultivation, and the integration of traditional medicine with modern science. Prof. Emeje spoke with Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF and EMMANUEL CHIDI-MAHA. Excerpts:-
Challenges and recent feats recorded by the agency
Reflecting on the past year, March 8, 2024, stands out as a particularly proud moment for me. On that day, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uchenna, travelled from Abuja to our headquarters in Kofo Abayomi, Lagos, to launch four groundbreaking herbal oral solid dosage formulations. This event marked a significant milestone: for nearly 30 years, our agency had never developed a solid oral dosage form. Our scientific process was meticulous, covering everything from cultivation and harvesting to extraction, laboratory practices, and manufacturing. We produced capsules and nanoparticle granules, setting a new standard for our agency and health research institutions in Nigeria.
The four products launched on March 8, 2024, were developed to address significant health issues prevalent in Nigeria. First, we focused on sickle cell disease, for which Nigeria has one of the highest global rates. Our herbal formulation leverages traditional knowledge and modern science to offer a novel treatment option. Diabetes mellitus, once rare in Nigeria, has become a major health concern due to changing lifestyles. We selected a plant known for its efficacy in managing diabetes, as identified through research and traditional knowledge. The formulation uses this plant to create a therapeutic solution. Given the physical strain many Nigerians face due to peasant farming, which accelerates aging, we developed an anti-aging product to help mitigate the effects of rapid aging and boost immunity.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the effectiveness of traditional remedies. In response, four professors and I sought funding from TETFUND to develop COVID-19 treatments using indigenous medicinal plants. We successfully registered these products with NAFDAC. Observing the global trend of traditional remedies gaining recognition during the pandemic, we also developed treatments for upper respiratory tract infections, reflecting our commitment to integrating traditional wisdom with scientific advancements. My background as a traditional healer and scientist underscores my belief in the synergy between indigenous knowledge and modern research. For example, after consulting with the Oba of Lagos, who identified the plant ‘abiri’ as a remedy for diabetes, we developed a capsule form of this plant, now officially registered as Abirysin. Similarly, our sickle cell product combines multiple plants for a comprehensive approach, offering anti-malarial, anti-sickling, and blood-building properties in one formulation. These advancements not only address pressing health concerns but also reinforce the value of traditional medicine in modern healthcare.
Despite these achievements, we faced several challenges. The greatest challenge, which I hesitate to articulate fully, is the misconception that financial constraints are the primary obstacle to progress in research. Since becoming the Director-General (DG), I have frequently been asked why I am not seeking additional government funding. Some have even suggested that my reluctance to focus on money might be misguided. My response is firm: I don’t believe that money is the core issue. In my two decades as a researcher, I have learned that the real challenge lies not in the lack of funds but in the prevailing attitude towards resource utilisation. I have seen that available resources, when managed effectively, can yield remarkable results.
Upon assuming the role of DG, I chose not to confine myself to the office. Instead, I immersed myself in the lab. I discovered that many researchers were unable to conduct their work because all research was outsourced to contractors. These contractors provided processed results, which were often inadequate for genuine innovation or patenting. The agency had accumulated various equipment and chemicals over time, but these resources were underutilised because the researchers lacked the necessary training and initiative. One significant step I took was to address the underutilisation of equipment. For instance, a freeze dryer, which had never been used because no one knew how to operate it, was put to work under my guidance. Similarly, I activated and utilised a six-station UV machine, which was far superior to the single-beam UV machines I had used previously. By leading by example and actively engaging in lab work, I instilled a new culture among my team, who now embrace working long hours in the lab with enthusiasm. A crucial part of this transformation involved halting the practice of outsourcing research. Instead of relying on external contractors, I utilised the chemicals and resources already available in the lab. This shift not only increased efficiency but also allowed us to focus on practical, hands-on research. We also ceased the practice of training herbalists and other non-relevant activities, focusing instead on research that directly aligned with our agency’s goals and the political priorities set by the government.
Another major challenge was the lack of human capacity. Many of my researchers were passionate and motivated but lacked the requisite skills and knowledge. To address this, I established partnerships with universities for capacity building. This initiative enabled many researchers to pursue advanced degrees in relevant fields. These partnerships also ensured that research projects were aligned with the agency’s objectives and national priorities, bridging the gap between academic research and practical application. The true challenge lies not in the absence of funds but in the effective application of resources and the cultivation of a productive attitude towards research. I advocate for a model where, instead of providing money directly, the government supplies the necessary resources for research. This approach would eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and allow researchers to focus on their work without the constant scrutiny of how funds are spent. Additionally, by aligning research efforts with national priorities and enhancing human capacity through targeted partnerships, we can drive meaningful progress and innovation.
Urgent priorities of the agency
Our agency’s priorities are threefold. First, we are dedicated to revolutionising the training of traditional medical practitioners. As the only health agency accredited by the National Board for Technical Education to offer a diploma in natural medicine, we prioritise “decolonisation”—ensuring that indigenous healing practices are respected and leveraged, regardless of literacy levels. Our goal is to include practitioners from all cultural backgrounds, including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, who might be custodians of ancestral healing knowledge but lack formal education. We are seeking support from the Federal Ministry of Education to facilitate this. To support this, we are creating an electronic database of traditional medical practitioners, their practices, and their products across Nigeria. We’ve signed an MOU with Alimosho Local Government and have received interest from other states like Cross River. We aim to document the best practitioners in Nigeria—bone setters, traditional birth attendants, and others—to ensure proper regulation, quality assurance, and effective utilisation of their knowledge.
Our second priority is the establishment of medicinal gardens in all 774 local governments across Nigeria. We believe that the solutions for local health issues, such as malaria, lie within the same environment. By planting medicinal gardens in each local government area, we will not only ensure the availability of relevant herbal remedies but also create local markets for these products. We have already initiated this in several states and plan to expand. This approach will support local health and create job opportunities while setting up a one-stop product development outlet for processing these herbal medicines. Lastly, we are committed to advancing human capital within our agency. By the end of my second year as DG, I aim for all researchers to hold a Ph.D, reflecting our commitment to excellence and innovation. Currently, all staff are engaged in postgraduate studies.
How commercialisation of some of herbal products can help our economy and the local health sector
Let me illustrate the economic impact of a pharmacoeconomic analysis we conducted for a malaria treatment product registered with NAFDAC. This product, derived from three medicinal plants, offers substantial economic benefits. If we cultivate just one of these plants on a 10-hectare plot, the economic and employment ripple effect is significant. Managing this 10-hectare farm would require approximately 20 people per hectare, resulting in 200 workers employed. These individuals are typically community members who might otherwise face unemployment. They would be responsible for the cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of the plants. After harvesting, the herbs must be transported to our processing facility. This step necessitates employing transport workers, similar to those engaged by INEC during elections. The transportation of raw materials creates additional jobs and stimulates local economies. At the processing facility, more employment opportunities arise. We need personnel for sorting, cleaning, drying, and other preparatory tasks before the herbs are processed into a final product. These roles are usually filled by skilled workers trained in areas such as chemistry and botany.
The process extends beyond cultivation and transportation. The product undergoes quality assurance and clinical trials, requiring medical professionals, traditional healers, and wellness experts. Each stage generates additional jobs and contributes to the local economy. If we replicate this model across all 774 local governments or even in selected states, the employment opportunities multiply exponentially. We would not only create direct jobs in agriculture and processing but also indirectly support jobs in related sectors like transport, healthcare, and wellness. Moreover, by establishing wellness homes that offer treatments derived from these local plants, we address the need for holistic healthcare and reduce capital flight seen when citizens travel abroad for similar treatments. This approach fosters economic growth by retaining health expenditures within the country and leveraging our natural resources to enhance domestic well-being and international trade. This model not only boosts local employment but also opens avenues for exporting high-quality, processed medicinal plants, positioning Nigeria on the global stage for natural product trade. By focusing on quality and sustainability, we aim to meet international demand, potentially following in the footsteps of leading exporters like China and India. Thus, investing in local medicinal plant cultivation and processing can drive economic growth, improve public health, and reduce dependency on foreign health solutions, ultimately strengthening our national economy.
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Addressing public perception of traditional medicine is crucial. Many educated in Western institutions often view traditional medicine sceptically, preferring Western scientific methodologies. This scepticism can overshadow valuable cultural practices. However, for many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, traditional medicine is a necessity rather than a choice. These communities have relied on herbal remedies for generations, and their lived experiences validate these practices’ efficacy. The issue arises when those with Western education dismiss traditional medicine as outdated or ineffective. This attitude overlooks the intrinsic value of these practices and their significant role in our health system. Rather than rejecting traditional medicine, we should focus on improving it through scientific research and technological advancements. Our agency aims to bridge this gap by integrating scientific methods with traditional practices. For instance, converting a herbal remedy from a tea into a more user-friendly capsule can modernise and enhance accessibility without invalidating traditional methods.
The challenge is not to reject traditional medicine but to elevate its standards through rigorous research and technological progress. Many professionals now advocate for integrating traditional and modern practices, recognising that they can complement each other. Experts like Prof Andrew Loko, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, and Prof Ifeoma Okoye are leading this shift, demonstrating that traditional medicine has a valuable place in a comprehensive healthcare system. Over the next decade, traditional medicine’s role in Nigeria’s healthcare system will likely transform as research and collaboration continue. By validating traditional remedies through scientific methods, we can enhance their credibility and expand their use in conventional settings. Our goal is to create a system where traditional medicine and modern science complement each other, offering a holistic approach that respects cultural heritage while embracing scientific progress. Shifting our perspective to recognise the value of both approaches will help build a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.
