In a bold move aimed at elevating the standards of traditional medicine practice in Nigeria, the National Working Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners, North-East Zone, has issued a communiqué following its strategic meeting held in Gombe State in July 2025.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Auwal Umar, Zonal Secretary, NANTMP North-East which was obtained by PERISCOPE NIGERIA.
The gathering brought together traditional medicine practitioners from across the six states of the Northeast to deliberate on pressing issues affecting their profession, with a focus on standardization, education, and institutional collaboration.
The committee lauded the efforts of Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, for his visionary role in relocating and revitalizing the Herbal Reservation Farm in the state. Describing it as a “significant milestone,” the group said the initiative not only promotes the preservation and sustainable use of herbal resources but also reaffirms the government’s commitment to cultural heritage and public health.
“The Governor’s support is a major boost to our collective mission to professionalize traditional medicine and align our practices with modern health standards,” the communiqué noted.
In a push for academic development, the NANTMP Northeast leadership urged its members to enroll in formal training programs. Practitioners were specifically encouraged to take advantage of the Traditional Medicine certification courses available at the College of Traditional Medicine & Acupunture (MIJCTMA) in Damaturu, Yobe State.
“This academic pathway will help our members gain credibility and recognition, both locally and internationally. We must match indigenous knowledge with formal education to meet the demands of modern health systems,” the communiqué stressed.
In a decisive step toward standardisation, the committee declared all certificates and identity cards previously issued by unauthorized state or local government officials null and void. Going forward, all certifications and IDs must be processed exclusively through the national secretariat to maintain integrity and avoid abuse.
Members were warned against recognising or using any documents not issued through approved channels. The committee emphasised that such moves are necessary to “protect the profession from quackery and to maintain a unified national identity.”
Closing the meeting, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to the unity and professional advancement of traditional medicine in Nigeria. It encouraged practitioners to remain law-abiding, pursue continuous learning, and actively engage with stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
