LAGOS, Nigeria — A Nigerian academic has called for greater investment in the country’s herbal medicine sector, arguing that it has the potential to transform healthcare delivery and unlock significant economic opportunities. The appeal comes amid growing global demand for traditional and plant-based medical products.
The expert noted that the global herbal medicine industry is projected to reach approximately 250 billion dollars in value, presenting a major opportunity for Nigeria to develop its rich biodiversity and traditional medical knowledge into a competitive economic sector.
According to the scholar, increased funding for research, product development, quality control, and regulatory standards would help improve the credibility and commercial viability of locally produced herbal medicines. Such investments could also create jobs and boost exports.
The call comes as stakeholders continue to advocate for stronger collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and private investors to position Nigeria as a key player in the rapidly expanding global herbal medicine market.
Nigeria is endowed with a vast array of medicinal plants and a rich tradition of herbal medicine, which has been practiced for centuries across various ethnic groups. However, the sector has remained largely underdeveloped, with limited scientific validation, poor quality control, and weak regulatory frameworks hindering its growth.
The academic emphasised that investing in herbal medicine is not only about economic gains but also about improving access to affordable healthcare for millions of Nigerians. With the rising cost of conventional medicines and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, herbal remedies could offer a cost-effective alternative for many citizens.
The expert also called on the federal government to develop a national policy on traditional and herbal medicine, which would provide a clear regulatory framework for the sector. Such a policy, he noted, would help standardise practices, ensure safety and efficacy, and promote research and development.
He further stressed the importance of partnerships between Nigerian researchers and international institutions to validate the efficacy of traditional remedies and facilitate their acceptance in global markets. He noted that several African countries, including South Africa and Ghana, have made significant strides in integrating traditional medicine into their healthcare systems.
The call for investment in herbal medicine comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to diversify its economy away from oil dependence. The country’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage provide a unique advantage in the global herbal medicine market, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
As the global herbal medicine industry continues to expand, Nigeria has an opportunity to carve out a significant share of the market. For now, the academic’s call for greater investment and policy support serves as a timely reminder of the untapped potential of Nigeria’s herbal medicine sector.
