Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria is deepening its health partnership with China as it seeks to strengthen traditional medicine research, improve medicines security and expand local pharmaceutical production.
A 25-member Nigerian delegation will travel to Beijing on June 29 for a two-week training programme at the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials.
The programme is part of the Nigeria-China traditional medicine partnership aimed at building research capacity, promoting scientific collaboration and supporting healthcare innovation.
Nigeria Seeks Chinese Expertise in Traditional Medicine
The delegation includes scientists, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and traditional medicine practitioners.
Officials say the training will expose participants to modern approaches to traditional medicine research, production and commercialization.
Speaking in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, urged participants to represent Nigeria positively during the exchange programme.
The initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s phytomedicine sector and develop evidence-based traditional medicines.
Why Traditional Medicine Matters in Nigeria
Traditional medicine remains an important source of healthcare for millions of Nigerians.
Many communities, particularly in rural areas, depend on herbal remedies because of limited access to hospitals and high medical costs.
However, experts say many local medicinal products still require scientific testing, regulation and quality control before they can be widely adopted.
The Nigeria-China traditional medicine partnership aims to address these gaps through research and capacity building.
Training Areas for Nigerian Delegates
The training programme in China will focus on:
– International standards in traditional medicine.
– Research management and innovation.
– Production and commercialization strategies.
– Diagnostic techniques and treatment methods.
– Clinical applications in dermatology, paediatrics, gynaecology and internal medicine.
Officials expect the programme to encourage technology transfer and improve research collaboration between both countries.
China Expands Health Cooperation with Nigeria
China has become one of Nigeria’s major development partners in recent years.
Beyond infrastructure projects such as railways, airports and power facilities, China has expanded cooperation in healthcare.
Chinese medical teams have worked in several African countries, while Chinese institutions have supported medical training, hospital projects and disease control programmes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, China supplied vaccines, protective equipment and medical supplies to several African countries, including Nigeria.
Health analysts say such partnerships are becoming an important part of China-Africa relations.
Challenges Facing Traditional Medicine Research
Despite growing interest in traditional medicine, experts say scientific evidence remains critical.
Medical researchers argue that herbal medicines should undergo clinical testing to prove their safety and effectiveness.
Regulatory agencies in Nigeria have also increased efforts to monitor herbal products and prevent misleading health claims.
Experts say the success of the Nigeria-China traditional medicine partnership will depend on strong regulation, sustained funding and investment in research.
Nigeria Pursues Medicines Security
Nigeria imports a large share of its pharmaceutical products.
This dependence has exposed the country to supply disruptions and rising costs.
Government officials increasingly view local medicine production as part of the country’s medicines security agenda.
The Ministry of Health says the China exchange programme could support local manufacturing, create jobs and strengthen the healthcare sector.
Dr. Obi Adigwe, chairman of the ministerial committee on phytomedicines, said the partnership could help improve access to affordable medicines and build indigenous research capacity.
Future of Nigeria-China Health Partnership
The Nigeria-China traditional medicine partnership reflects a growing interest in combining indigenous knowledge with modern scientific research.
Officials believe the collaboration could help position Nigeria as a regional centre for phytomedicine research and development.
For now, the programme represents an important step in Nigeria’s search for healthcare innovation, stronger local pharmaceutical production and sustainable health solutions.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
