The Federal Government has unveiled four herbal products developed by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) for the management of diabetes, sickle cell disease, treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and reducing fast ageing.

The Minister of Science and Technology, UCHE NNAJI, unveiled the products during an official visit to NNMDA in Lagos.

NNAJI, who affirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to invest in natural medicine, said the herbal products would serve as substitutes for foreign drugs amid the rising cost of drugs in the country.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NNMDA, Professor MARTINS EMEJE, said Nigerians should stop depending wholly on imported drugs for their healthcare needs. 

Prof. EMEJE said Nigeria could develop herbal medicines to cure many diseases that appear incurable through orthodox medicines.

He also noted that Nigeria had the highest biodiversity in Africa and therefore had a lot to contribute to the herbal medicine industry.