FMIST Launches Seven Indigenous Herbal Medicines in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) unveiled seven indigenous herbal medicines developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) during a visit to the Agency's headquarters in Lagos. The unveiling was conducted by Honourable Minister Dr.

Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN. The herbal medicines are designed for managing hepatitis B, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, male sexual health disorders, and various cancers, including prostate, colorectal, and ovarian cancers.

Dr. Udeh emphasized the importance of Nigeria's biodiversity and medicinal plants as national assets that can enhance healthcare delivery and economic growth.

He announced government support for establishing a Clinical Observational Research Centre and stressed the need to integrate these herbal medicines into the Ministry's research commercialization framework. The goal is to reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, stimulate local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a leader in natural medicine research and production in Africa.

Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of NNMDA, noted that over 22 herbal medicines have been developed since 2023.