Dr Udeh unveiling the seven herbal products during his one-day working visit to the NNMDA office in Lagos on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, has unveiled seven scientifically developed herbal medicines designed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to manage major health conditions, including hepatitis B, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, male sexual health disorders, and cancers such as prostate, colorectal, and ovarian cancers.
The herbal medicines were unveiled on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos during a working visit by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described Nigeria’s medicinal plants as a vast but underutilised national asset capable of addressing many health challenges if properly harnessed through science and innovation.
“Nigeria is richly endowed with thousands of medicinal plants which, if effectively harnessed, could provide solutions to the diverse health conditions affecting Nigerians,” he said.
He pledged support for the establishment of the proposed Clinical Observational Research Centre, saying the Federal Government would explore alternative funding sources, including private-sector partnerships and research grants, rather than waiting for budgetary allocations.
“We are going to move immediately and innovatively after this unveiling to establish the Clinical Observational Research Centre without waiting for funding from the 2027 budget. We are going to identify alternative ways of generating funds to build the centre,” Udeh assured stakeholders.
According to him, the initiative forms part of the government’s broader plan to commercialise research outputs, reduce dependence on imported medicines and build a globally competitive natural medicine industry.
The minister said the newly unveiled medicines would be integrated into the Federal Government’s commercialisation initiative aimed at transforming research outputs into market-ready products capable of attracting investors, creating businesses and generating employment.
“Billions of naira can be generated through the production of natural medicines while meeting the healthcare needs of Nigerians,” he said.
According to the agency, the products are part of a broader research pipeline that has produced more than 22 herbal medicines from Nigeria’s medicinal plants since 2023, reflecting efforts to transform traditional knowledge into scientifically standardised healthcare solutions.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, said the agency had focused on subjecting indigenous herbal remedies to scientific research, quality assurance and standardisation to ensure safety, consistency and effectiveness.
He explained that the products had been formulated into modern dosage forms such as tablets, capsules and syrups to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and evidence-based healthcare.
Among the products unveiled are a herbal medicine for the management of hepatitis B, Namdacid for peptic ulcer disease, Turmegol for the prevention and management of prostate, colorectal and ovarian cancers, Namdorol for lowering cholesterol and supporting hypertension management, Namgor for male sexual health, and a scientifically formulated Zobo Tea for hypertension management.
Emeje said laboratory studies had shown promising results for some of the products but stressed that further clinical studies would be required to establish their effectiveness in patients.
He added that the agency was working to change the narrative of dependence on imported medicines by developing indigenous pharmaceutical products capable of meeting Nigeria’s healthcare needs and creating economic opportunities.
During the Lagos event, India’s Consul-General, Shri Kannan, spoke passionately about the opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
“India and Nigeria are two ancient civilisations blessed with rich biodiversity, deep cultural heritage and centuries-old healing traditions,” he observed.
“Our institutions can collaborate in medicinal plant research, scientific validation of traditional medicines, standardisation and quality assurance, biodiversity conservation, capacity building, academic exchanges, entrepreneurship and innovation in natural products.”