The National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) has introduced proactive steps to tackle quackery in traditional medicine across Nigeria’s North-East.
In a communiqué issued after its National Working Committee meeting on Thursday in Gombe, the association’s North-East Zonal Secretary, Auwal Umar, said the move aims to improve professionalism and uphold standards in the practice.
He noted that traditional medicine plays a vital role in public health and that safeguarding the sector from unqualified practitioners is essential for the safety of the public.
He said the association would check unauthorised certifications and issuance of identity ards issuance.
“In a decisive step toward standardisation, the committee declared all certificates and identity cards previously issued by unauthorised 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,” he said.
Umar warned against recognising or using any documents not issued through approved channels, stressing that the move was necessary to protect the profession from quackery and to maintain a unified national identity.
He said the NCW met to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the profession in the six states of the zone focussing on standardisation, education, and institutional collaboration.
“Practitioners were specifically encouraged to take advantage of the Traditional Medicine certification courses available at the College of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture (MIJCTMA) in Damaturu, Yobe State.”
The secretary said the committee lauded Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for his visionary role in relocating and revitalising the Herbal Reservation Farm in Gombe State.
He described the gesture as a “significant milestone,” adding that the initiative not only promotes the preservation and sustainable use of herbal resources but also reaffirms government’s commitment to cultural heritage and public health.
“The governor’s support is a major boost in our collective mission to professionalise traditional medicine and align our practices with modern health standards.”
