Nigeria's Herbal Medicine Sector Needs Investment to Tap $250bn Market

Professor Augustine Onyeaghala, a renowned expert in Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, has emphasized the need for increased investment in Nigeria's herbal medicine sector. According to him, the industry has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and expand access to quality medical care. Onyeaghala noted that the effectiveness of herbal medicine in treating ailments such as hypertension and diabetes has been well-established over the years. He stressed that Nigeria needs to strengthen its clinical pipeline for natural medicine and align with global best practices, particularly those of countries like China. The professor made these remarks while delivering the fourth inaugural lecture of Chrisland University, titled 'When Science Serves Society: Aligning Natural Products, Clinical Evidence and Quality Systems.' Onyeaghala explained that the lecture highlighted the critical intersection of herbal products, clinical development, toxicological safety, quality assurance, and health systems strengthening within a modern healthcare framework. He noted that herbal medicines, which have long been embedded in cultural and traditional practices, possess significant therapeutic potential. However, their transition from traditional use to evidence-based clinical application requires rigorous scientific validation through structured clinical trials, standardized methodologies, and strict adherence to ethical and regulatory frameworks. Speaking with journalists after the lecture, Onyeaghala identified a lack of strong government commitment and investment as a major impediment to harnessing the enormous potential of herbal medicine and natural supplements in Nigeria. 'Lack of political will has been the major reason the country has not been able to maximize the huge potential of our herbs and roots to improve healthcare services,' he said. Onyeaghala cited empirical data confirming the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine, including ginger, garlic, and turmeric, which have been used successfully over time. He also mentioned clinical trials conducted on bitter kola and bitter leaf, which showed potential in the treatment of diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers. The professor advocated for greater integration between traditional and orthodox medicine to improve healthcare access and outcomes. He warned that Nigeria risks missing out on the rapidly growing herbal medicine market, projected to exceed $250 billion by 2030, if it fails to establish the necessary systems and infrastructure. Onyeaghala emphasized the need for Nigeria to put in place functional systems and align with best practices from countries like China in the development of herbal medicine.