The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again stressed its dedication to ensuring that medicinal and aromatic plant-based products in Nigeria are safe, effective, and of high quality.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during the #BeWildForNature Youth Network event organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to commemorate the World Wildlife Day 2026 in Abuja on Wednesday.
The event, themed, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” highlighted the importance of engaging young people in conservation efforts and encouraging the sustainable use of medicinal plants.
Adeyeye, who was represented by Mrs Chizoba Maduagwuna, Deputy Director at NAFDAC’s International Strategic Partnership and Trade Office, explained that the agency’s responsibilities cover the regulation of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, packaged water, medical devices, and herbal medicines. She noted that all these products must meet strict safety and quality standards before reaching consumers.
She further pointed out that medicinal plants have long played a vital role in healthcare, wellness, and cultural traditions. According to her, these plants remain relevant today as they help address modern health challenges and contribute to improved public health outcomes.
Adeyeye also described medicinal plants as valuable national resources, especially with the increasing global demand for herbal medicines and natural wellness products. She explained that these resources have the potential to support local industries and strengthen Nigeria’s growing bio-economy.
The NAFDAC boss stated that the agency ensures all plant-based products, whether in raw or processed form, such as phytomedicines, essential oils, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, meet strict standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
She also highlighted the economic benefits of medicinal plants, noting that they can provide sustainable sources of income, particularly for rural communities. She added that the sector has the potential to empower women and young people while boosting local economic development.
“Key areas of intervention include responsible cultivation, biodiversity protection, standardisation across the herbal value chain, research, innovation, and collaboration with academia, industry, and research institutions.”
Adeyeye referenced initiatives such as the Nigerian Herbal Medicinal Products Committee, the Nigerian Essential Medicinal Plant List, and the Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia as important frameworks for ensuring the safe development and regulation of plant-based products.
She stressed the need for increased public awareness about the safe use of herbal products, alongside strong regulatory support for ethical and evidence-based commercialisation.
The NAFDAC Director-General also warned that Nigeria’s biodiversity remains a critical national asset that must be protected through sustainable practices and effective regulatory systems to preserve both cultural heritage and livelihoods.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, she said NAFDAC would continue to promote research, enforce regulations, and ensure the safe use of plant-based products across food, medicine, cosmetics, and industrial sectors.
“Our goal is to transform biodiversity into safe, regulated products and economic resources while safeguarding public health,” Adeyeye added.
