The Federal Government has launched seven locally developed herbal medicines designed to treat and manage a range of health conditions, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and Hepatitis B, as part of efforts to strengthen indigenous pharmaceutical innovation and reduce reliance on imported medicines.
The products, developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), were unveiled on Tuesday in Lagos by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, during an official visit to the agency.
The minister also held discussions with leading stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry on strategies to commercialise the newly developed medicines and expand Nigeria’s natural medicine sector.
Speaking at the event, Udeh said Nigeria possesses abundant medicinal plants with enormous potential to address a wide range of health challenges if properly harnessed through research and innovation.
He noted that traditional medicine has remained a vital part of healthcare delivery for generations and pledged the Federal Government’s support in tackling challenges limiting the agency’s growth, particularly inadequate funding and research infrastructure.
The minister also announced plans to facilitate the establishment of a Clinical Observational Research Centre requested by the agency, saying alternative funding sources would be explored instead of waiting for budgetary allocations.
He commended the agency for its achievements in developing natural medicines for diseases such as malaria, sickle cell disorder, diabetes, erectile dysfunction and other tropical illnesses.
According to Udeh, the engagement with pharmaceutical industry leaders highlighted Nigeria’s capacity to become a major producer and exporter of natural medicines capable of generating billions of dollars in revenue while improving access to quality healthcare for citizens.
“The resolution after the meeting with captains of industry in the pharmaceutical sector is that Nigeria has the potential to produce and export natural medicines worth billions of dollars.
“Billions of naira can also be generated by the agency through the production of natural medicines while meeting the healthcare needs of Nigerians.
“We are going to move immediately and innovatively after this unveiling to establish the Clinical Observational Research Centre without waiting for funding from the 2027 budget.
“We are going to identify alternative ways of generating funds to build the centre,” Udeh said.
Earlier, the Director-General of the NNMDA, Martins Emeje, said the agency has developed more than 22 herbal products from indigenous medicinal plants since 2023 to address Nigeria’s healthcare needs.
He explained that advances in scientific research and standardisation have strengthened confidence in herbal medicines by ensuring accurate dosage, quality and safety through formulations such as capsules, tablets and syrups.
Emeje, who also serves as Co-Chair of the World Health Organization Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, said the agency aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines by promoting locally developed alternatives.
He disclosed that one of the herbal products, once fully commercialised across its value chain, has the potential to create about 3.5 million jobs.
The agency also renewed its appeal to the Federal Government to establish a Clinical Observational Research Centre at its Victoria Island headquarters to strengthen clinical research and validation of herbal medicines.
Providing details of the newly launched products, Emeje said Namdavir was developed for the treatment of Hepatitis B, while Namdacid is used in managing peptic ulcer disease.
He added that Turmegol was formulated to help manage and prevent cancers such as colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancer, noting that research indicates it has the potential to inhibit cancer progression and eliminate early-stage cancer cells.
Other products unveiled include Namdorol, developed for high cholesterol and hypertension management, Namgor, a natural aphrodisiac, and Zobo Tea, formulated to support blood pressure control.
Also speaking at the event, the Consul General of India in Lagos, Shri Kannan, said Nigeria and India have significant opportunities to collaborate in traditional medicine research, medicinal plant development, quality assurance, biodiversity conservation, innovation and academic exchange.
He noted that both countries possess rich biodiversity and centuries-old healing traditions that continue to provide valuable contributions to modern healthcare.
