Researcher Advocates Integration of Traditional Medicine into Nigeria’s Healthcare System

By Tosin Clegg

Nigeria’s reliance on orthodox medicine alone may be holding back its ability to provide affordable and accessible healthcare. Olumayowa Adeleke Idowu has made a strong case for integrating traditional medicine into the national healthcare system as a strategic response to healthcare gaps and economic strain.

In his recent literature review published in the Science Journal of Public Health, Idowu assessed over seventy studies and policy documents, concluding that most Nigerians—especially in rural areas—already use traditional medicine, yet policy support for its integration remains weak and inconsistent

“Traditional medicine is not just part of our culture—it is part of our survival,” Idowu said. “Instead of ignoring it, we must formalize it, regulate it, and integrate it into the national healthcare strategy.”

The review highlights that about 70% of Nigerians use traditional remedies, and over 8,000 indigenous plants have medicinal potential. Despite this, policies around safety, standardization, and practitioner training remain fragmented
According to Idowu, “The lack of a coherent national framework has prevented Nigeria from harnessing the economic and health value of traditional medicine. Countries like China and India have demonstrated that integration is possible and beneficial.”

The article outlines the success of nations such as India, which hosts the WHO-supported Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, and China, whose herbal treatments are now globally recognized. “These countries are exporting their heritage as healthcare solutions,” Idowu noted. “Nigeria has that same potential.”

He also criticized the government’s poor commitment to health investment overall, pointing out that over 76% of Nigeria’s health expenses are borne out-of-pocket. “In such a context, traditional medicine is often the only option for many,” he said
The paper shows that while initiatives like the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency and the Department of Traditional Medicine exist, implementation has been sluggish. “Policy without enforcement is mere rhetoric,” said Idowu. “We need robust systems that link traditional healers with public health institutions.”

He proposes a multi-stakeholder approach involving the Nigerian Medical Association, traditional healers, regulators, and community groups to build trust and ensure safety. “This collaboration must not be symbolic—it must be structural,” he stressed.

Beyond healthcare, Idowu highlighted economic benefits. “Standardized herbal products can generate jobs, improve local economies, and even boost export revenue,” he said. “It’s a missed opportunity not to invest in this.”
The article points out that integrating traditional medicine could reduce pressure on the overburdened public health system and increase access to care, especially in under-served rural areas.

Idowu acknowledged concerns about efficacy and safety but argued that with proper research and policy support, these challenges can be overcome. “Science and tradition do not have to be enemies,” he explained. “What we need is evidence-based integration.”

He believes Nigeria can learn from global models by adapting them to local realities. “We should not copy and paste—we should contextualize,” he advised. “That’s how you make policy work.”
Idowu urged the Federal Ministry of Health to fast-track implementation of the Traditional Medicine Council and ensure meaningful collaboration between orthodox and traditional practitioners.
“If we continue to view traditional medicine as a relic, we will lose both our culture and our chance at health sovereignty,” he concluded.