‘Native doctors ‘intercede’ with ancestors’, says Senator Maidoki, seeks recognition for traditional medicine

Senator Garba Maidoki has called for the integration of traditional medicine into Nigeria's upcoming legislation aimed at reforming the country's food and drug regulatory system. During deliberations on a bill to replace existing acts with a comprehensive framework for regulating food, medicines, vaccines, and medical devices, Maidoki stressed the importance of recognizing indigenous healthcare practices.

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I rise to support this bill. It is apt, timely and intended to modernise the regulation of food and drugs in Nigeria. However, I have not seen any provision concerning traditional medicine. Most of our rural dwellers rely heavily on traditional medicine, and I think it is time we enacted laws that also recognise and support its practice.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Sadiq Umar, successfully passed its second reading with broad support. Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, described the legislation as timely but incomplete without provisions for traditional medicine. He highlighted that many Nigerians, particularly in rural communities, rely heavily on traditional healers and herbal remedies for their healthcare needs.

"Most of our rural dwellers rely heavily on traditional medicine, and I think it is time we enacted laws that also recognise and support its practice," Maidoki stated. He argued that granting legal backing to traditional medicine would decrease Nigeria's dependence on imported pharmaceuticals by promoting the use of locally sourced medicinal herbs and indigenous healing methods.

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If this is done, we will reduce the cost of importing drugs from foreign countries and rely more on our indigenous herbs and medications prepared by our native doctors.

Maidoki urged the bill's sponsor, a pharmacist, to work towards incorporating traditional medicine practitioners into the national healthcare system. He suggested that this integration could lead to significant cost savings by reducing drug imports and fostering greater use of indigenous remedies. The senator also noted that certain health conditions respond better to herbal treatments than conventional medicine, humorously adding that even public officials sometimes turn to traditional remedies when modern medicine proves ineffective.

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Even some of us who are senators sometimes go for herbal medicine to treat one ailment or another when modern medicine has no answer. Like when your ancestors decide to talk to you, you need a native doctor to intercede on your behalf.

His remarks about needing a "native doctor to intercede" when ancestors communicate elicited laughter in the Senate chamber. Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded in jest, acknowledging the historical role of ancestors in traditional African beliefs before Western influence. The debate underscores a growing recognition of traditional medicine's role within Nigeria's healthcare landscape.

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Thank you, Distinguished Senator Garba. The native doctor will intercede between you and the ancestor.