NAFDAC Sets Conditions To Approve Herbal Products

NAFDAC Sets Conditions To Approve Herbal Products

In a renewed push for scientific rigor and public safety, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared that no herbal medicine will receive full approval in Nigeria unless it undergoes proper clinical trials.

This announcement was made by the agency’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement released on October 12, 2025, through NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola.

Professor Adeyeye emphasized that while Nigerian herbal medicine practitioners possess the knowledge and skills to produce safe and effective remedies, scientific validation remains the cornerstone for global recognition and regulatory approval. She stated, “We are not against herbal medicines. In fact, we believe in their potential. But we must ensure they are safe and effective through clinical trials before granting full registration.”

To facilitate this process, NAFDAC is collaborating with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to develop herbal products that meet international standards. This partnership aims to bridge traditional knowledge with modern scientific protocols, ensuring that herbal remedies are not only culturally relevant but also globally competitive.

The agency has also published detailed herbal guidelines outlining the regulatory requirements for the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of herbal products in Nigeria.

These guidelines serve as a roadmap for practitioners and manufacturers, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices and compliance with safety standards.

NAFDAC’s stance marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for alternative medicine in Nigeria. It signals a commitment to integrating traditional healing practices into the formal healthcare system, provided they meet rigorous scientific benchmarks.

As the agency continues to enforce these conditions, stakeholders in the herbal medicine industry are urged to embrace research and innovation to ensure their products gain both national and international credibility.