The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is partnering with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to make sure herbal medicines in Nigeria are safe, effective, and ready for the world stage. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that while many herbal products pass basic safety tests (getting an “L” listing valid for two years), only a few undergo the tougher clinical trials needed for full approval lasting five years.
One big challenge? Clinical trials are costly, so many herbal medicine makers struggle to fund them. That’s why NAFDAC and NNMDA are joining forces to help practitioners navigate these trials and meet international standards. Prof. Adeyeye stressed that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe proving efficacy through science is crucial to protect patients’ health.
NAFDAC has also been educating herbal makers on registration and good manufacturing practices, aiming to build a national formulary of clinically proven herbal medicines. With Prof. Adeyeye’s background leading anti-sickling herbal research in the U.S., her team is passionate about supporting the industry’s growth while ensuring safety and trust.
This partnership is a big step towards putting Nigeria’s rich herbal heritage on the global map, blending tradition with modern science for better health outcomes.
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