By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicinal and aromatic plant-based products across Nigeria.
The assurance was delivered by Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Mrs. Chizoba Maduagwuna, Deputy Director of the International Strategic Partnership and Trade Office, during the #BeWildForNature Youth Network event organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to mark the 2026 World Wildlife Day in Abuja on Wednesday.
The event, themed “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” highlighted the critical role of young people in promoting conservation awareness and sustainable use of medicinal plants.
Mrs. Maduagwuna noted that NAFDAC’s mandate covers regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, packaged water, medical devices, and herbal medicines, ensuring all products meet strict safety and quality standards.
Adeyeye emphasized the historical significance of medicinal plants as sources of healing, wellness, and cultural identity, underlining their relevance in addressing modern health challenges and boosting public health solutions.
She described medicinal plants as strategic national assets capable of supporting local industries, strengthening Nigeria’s bio-economy, and creating sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth in rural communities.
“Key areas of intervention include responsible cultivation, biodiversity protection, standardization across the herbal value chain, research, innovation, and collaboration with academia, industry, and research institutions,” Adeyeye said.
Initiatives such as the Nigerian Herbal Medicinal Products Committee, the Nigerian Essential Medicinal Plant List, and the Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia were cited as critical tools for regulating and promoting safe plant-based products.
She further stressed the importance of public awareness, ethical commercialization, and regulatory support to maximize benefits while safeguarding health.
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“Nigeria’s biodiversity is a valuable national resource that must be protected through sustainable practices and strong regulatory systems to preserve cultural heritage and sustain livelihoods,” Adeyeye added.
“Our goal is to transform biodiversity into safe, regulated products and economic resources while safeguarding public health.”
