Nigeria launches seven herbal medicines for cancer and hepatitis B

Nigeria’s Federal Government unveiled seven new herbal medicines developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) during a ceremony in Lagos attended by Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Dr Kingsley Udeh. The products target prostate and colorectal cancer, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, hepatitis B, and include an aphrodisiac, all formulated in modern dosage forms such as capsules, tablets and syrups.

The launch is part of a broader push to harness the country’s abundant medicinal plants for local pharmaceutical innovation. Since 2023, NNMDA has created more than 22 herbal products, and the minister pledged to address funding gaps and fast‑track the establishment of a Clinical Observational Research Centre to validate the medicines through trials. Officials highlighted the potential for job creation, export revenue and reduced reliance on imported drugs, while the Indian Consul General in Lagos expressed optimism about future collaboration.