₦airaland Forum

In a country where herbal medicine has been part of our culture for centuries, many Nigerians still wonder: “Why won’t NAFDAC give full approval to our locally made herbal products?”

Well, here’s the truth — straight from the agency itself.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said herbal medicines cannot receive full approval until they pass through proper clinical trials — the same rigorous process required for modern pharmaceutical drugs.

According to a statement by NAFDAC’s Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency is working hand-in-hand with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to develop herbal medicines that are scientifically proven, safe, and effective enough to meet global health standards.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, emphasized that Nigerian herbal practitioners have the knowledge and creativity to create world-class remedies — but safety and science must come first.

“If you have an herbal medicine that you cannot prove scientifically — the extent to which it works without causing harm — then it cannot be fully registered by NAFDAC,” she explained.

Two Levels of Approval

Prof. Adeyeye broke it down clearly:

✅ First level: A two-year listing approval — given after toxicology and safety evaluations. This only confirms that the product isn’t harmful, not necessarily that it works.

✅ Second level: A full five-year approval — which requires clinical trials to prove efficacy (that is, scientific evidence that the medicine actually works).

Thousands of herbal medicines in Nigeria have been “listed,” but only a handful have completed clinical trials.

Why? Cost.
Clinical trials are extremely expensive, requiring strict testing procedures, medical oversight, and validated data to prove that a product is both safe and effective.

“Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean “Safe”

Prof. Adeyeye also issued an important warning many people overlook:

“The fact that it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. That’s where NAFDAC’s regulation and control come in.”

She explained that some natural products can cause serious harm to the liver and kidneys if not properly dosed or formulated. Determining the right dosage, possible side effects, and long-term risks is why scientific studies are non-negotiable.

Collaboration and the Road Ahead

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, NAFDAC established a Herbal Medicine Products Committee to bridge the gap between researchers, herbal practitioners, and the Federal Ministry of Health.

The agency is also seeking funding support to help local herbal developers run clinical trials — starting with some already-listed products that show strong potential.

The goal is to one day have a National Herbal Medicine Formulary — a verified catalog of trusted, clinically tested herbal medicines that can be prescribed safely and confidently, even in hospitals.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC continues to train and educate herbal practitioners on:

proper registration procedures,

good manufacturing practices (GMP), and

standardization to ensure consistent quality and safety.

The Bigger Picture

NAFDAC’s stance might frustrate some herbal practitioners, but it’s also a reminder of what’s at stake.
Without proper trials, even the most promising herbal remedy remains just a claim — not a cure.

Science and tradition don’t have to be enemies; they can be allies.
Nigeria’s rich herbal heritage deserves to be recognized, but it must also be trusted — and that trust can only come through evidence.

If done right, our local herbs could someday compete globally, just like China’s Traditional Medicine now stands shoulder to shoulder with Western pharmaceuticals.

Until then, regulation, patience, and collaboration remain the keys.

What’s your take?
Do you think NAFDAC is being too strict — or are they right to insist on scientific proof before full approval?
Have you or someone you know used herbal medicine that really worked? Let’s talk about it

immortalcrown:
1.
Herbal stuffs are natural and good but some of them are too harsh for human internal organs. The makers do not lab equipment for proper dilution of the herbs.

2.
NAFDAC has lost my trust. Some products that have NAFDAC number are unhealthy while so many things that don't have NAFDAC number are healthy.

Dpharmacist:
At number 2. They usually give warning that they cannot guarantee the claims of the product.

immortalcrown:
Thus, it is not to be trusted when health is the concern.

Dpharmacist:
You shouldn't just ride it off like that. It was properly explained in the original post.

Kalatium:
Its high time we start relying on our traditional medicine like China and India. Lets standardize and make iy better.


Write what you think here:

A survey on traditional medicine practices in Nigeria.

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NewHe:
There's no need to delay, it's overdue!
There's no crime if the government help with further investigation and subsequent approvals for them.
Save forex on expensive imported drugs 💉

Ashirioluwa:
You're right, but they need to go through the rigorous testing and get NAFDAC approval to make sure they are safe for human consumption.

mukshin:
Bribery
Most likely not all are authentic from Nafdac

OlujobaSamuel:
77keys is NAFDAC certified na and it's a herbal medicine.
Btw, I thought those Yemkem and Oko oloyun products are also classified as medicines and certified, or are they under supplements??
Someone should pls explain

MaziObinnaokija:
Those ones selling gbogbonise 6 N 1 mixtures that cure HBP,headache, fibroid, toothache, blurred vision,diabetes, cough ..Them plenty around idumota,sango,Iyana ipaja,Agege,Alaba etc.
Mat dey not destroy our kidney sha with their mixtures.

Them plenty on FBK too

Kalatium:
Its high time we start relying on our traditional medicine like China and India. Lets standardize and make it better.



I am carrying out a survey on traditional medicine practices in Nigeria.

Check Signature for the form to participate and give your opinion.

Dpharmacist:
They have first level approval but i am not sure of the second level approval.

Ashirioluwa:
You're right, but they need to go through the rigorous testing and get NAFDAC approval to make sure they are safe for human consumption.

descartes400:
Why must our traditional medicine have to go through western standards testing values system dictated by the west? Don't we have a systems of determining efficacy passed down from our ancestors and refined by us? Little wonder we cannot develop a system of value as we have outsource to western hegemony.

webincomeplus:
This is the same line you people deceive yourselves with. Who told you most Indians depend on traditional medicine?

The same India Nigerians go for kidney transplant and other complex surgeries? The same India where most of the imported conventional drugs in Nigeria is manufactured?

Or you think it's their Ayurveda and other traditional stunts they use for kidney transplants?