Evidence-Based Integration of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria: Translational Impacts on Healthcare Access, Quality, and Resilience

Abstract

Traditional medicine remains the primary source of healthcare for an estimated 80% of Nigerians, yet unresolved issues of standardisation, safety, and clinical efficacy hinder its integration into the formal healthcare sector. This perspective synthesises current evidence and global best practices to outline a translational roadmap for incorporating validated traditional remedies into Nigeria's primary care system. We review methodological adaptations – ranging from pragmatic clinical trials to N-of-1 designs – that accommodate the multi-component nature of herbal formulations, and we highlight the regulatory reforms and practitioner-training programmes now being piloted by NAFDAC and allied institutions. Particular attention is given to infectious diseases: pharmacological and preclinical data for six widely used antimalarial and antibacterial plants are summarised, underscoring their relevance to drug-resistant malaria and typhoid. Digital innovations, including mobile health apps, knowledge repositories, and AI-driven phytochemical screening, are presented as catalysts for data capture, quality control, and accelerated drug discovery. By framing traditional medicine as a complementary resource rather than an alternative, the article argues that evidence-based integration can expand access, improve care quality, and strengthen system resilience – especially in underserved communities – while preserving indigenous knowledge and stimulating local biopharmaceutical innovation.