Reps push to regulate herbal medicines in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill to amend the NAFDAC Act, giving the agency authority to regulate the production, sale, and use of herbal medicines in Nigeria.

Jesse Onuakalusi, who led the debate, noted that while millions rely on herbal remedies, many products are produced under unhygienic conditions without dosage control or safety certification, putting users at risk.

The bill proposes expanding NAFDAC’s mandate to cover herbal and traditional medicines, creating a Traditional Medicine Advisory Committee, and establishing a Department for Herbal Medicine Regulation.

It also introduces penalties for unregistered or unsafe products, with a 12-month period for practitioners to comply.

Onuakalusi said the legislation will ensure safety, promote scientific validation of indigenous medicine, and support economic growth through research and commercialisation.

Nigeria’s largely unregulated herbal medicine sector remains vital for rural and low-income communities, but weak oversight has led to safety and quality concerns.

The bill was unanimously supported and referred to the relevant committee for further action.