The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has raised alarm over the widespread sale of unregulated herbal drinks in Nigeria, urging the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) to urgently address the growing health crisis. According to the ICPC, the proliferation of these herbal concoctions, sold by street vendors and hawkers, is putting public health at severe risk, with many Nigerians unknowingly consuming harmful substances.
The call came during a training webinar hosted by the NNMDA titled, Building a Transparent and Accountable Public Institution and Inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). The event, which brought together key stakeholders from the NNMDA and ICPC, underscored the need for enhanced oversight in the natural medicines sector.
Hawkers Endanger Public Health with Unchecked Herbal Mixtures
ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, Mr. Kabir Elelu, did not mince words when discussing the dangers posed by unregulated herbal drinks. He pointed out the prevalence of “Ala Agbo,” a local herbal mixture, which is often hawked on the streets and marketed as a cure-all remedy. Unfortunately, these products are not subjected to any form of regulation, leading to widespread health issues among Nigerians.
“We are facing a huge problem with unregulated herbal concoctions, many of which are being sold by hawkers without any medical oversight,” Elelu said during the session. “These mixtures are not only untested but are responsible for severe health complications, including liver cirrhosis and other dangerous diseases. This is a crisis we cannot ignore any longer.”
Elelu also called for an immediate overhaul of the processes by which herbal medicines are being sold and consumed in Nigeria. He added that the lack of regulation around these herbal drinks has led to a dangerous trend, where unscrupulous vendors prey on the desperation of consumers seeking quick fixes for their ailments.
The Corruption Factor: ICPC’s Role in Curbing the Crisis
The ICPC has a critical role to play in regulating industries like natural medicines, which, according to Elelu, are highly susceptible to corruption. He highlighted that corruption in the public sector has exacerbated the situation, leading to unaccountability and a lack of proper governance in many areas, including healthcare.
“Corruption has infiltrated every sector in Nigeria, leading to insecurity, inflation, and a crisis in the healthcare system,” Elelu noted. “The role of the ICPC is not just to investigate and punish corruption but also to educate the public on its dangers. As public servants, we must begin the fight against corruption within our own institutions.”
Elelu also emphasized the importance of public service ethics, integrity, and diligence in fighting corruption. He praised the NNMDA for its efforts in adhering to these principles, noting that it had scored well on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, consistently earning above 70%. However, he stressed that more needed to be done to ensure that transparency and accountability remained a top priority within the agency.
NNMDA Responds: A Commitment to Transparency and Public Health
Responding to the ICPC’s call, Prof. Martins Emeje, the Director-General of the NNMDA, acknowledged the importance of tackling the issue of unregulated herbal drinks. He also outlined the agency’s commitment to ensuring that natural medicines were developed and sold in a transparent and accountable manner.
“We are committed to transparency in all aspects of our work,” Prof. Emeje said. “The NNMDA is taking the lead in ensuring that natural medicine development in Nigeria is done properly, without corruption, and for the benefit of the Nigerian people. We understand the critical role that traditional medicine plays in public health, and we are working to protect Nigerians from unsafe products.”
Emeje also highlighted the NNMDA’s efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines. He pointed out that while the country has a rich tradition of natural medicine, this heritage had been eroded over time by colonial influences and corruption within the healthcare system. He expressed hope that with proper regulation and oversight, Nigeria could reclaim its place as a leader in natural medicine development.
“In just one and a half years, we have shown that Nigeria can develop its own medicines transparently, without resorting to theft or corruption,” Emeje added. “We are changing the narrative, and this is just the beginning.”
Inauguration of Anti-Corruption Unit: A Step Toward Accountability
One of the major highlights of the event was the inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) members from the NNMDA, who took an oath to uphold transparency and combat corruption within the agency. The ACTU will serve as a watchdog, ensuring that the agency’s operations remain free from malpractices and that public funds are used responsibly.
The establishment of the ACTU is a significant milestone in the NNMDA’s ongoing efforts to promote accountability in the natural medicines sector. With the support of the ICPC, the NNMDA hopes to strengthen its efforts to combat the growing problem of unregulated herbal drinks and ensure that the public is protected from dangerous products.
A Call to Action for Nigerians
The issue of unregulated herbal drinks is not just a concern for government agencies and regulators—it is a public health crisis that requires the collective efforts of all Nigerians. As Elelu rightly pointed out, many of these products are being sold by street hawkers who are more concerned with making a profit than with the well-being of consumers. Therefore, public awareness and education will play a key role in curbing this growing problem.
“It is crucial that Nigerians become more discerning consumers,” Elelu urged. “We must ensure that we are not poisoning ourselves with products that are not regulated or tested for safety. It is time for us to take responsibility for our health and demand better oversight from both government agencies and the herbal medicine industry.”
With the collaboration of agencies like the ICPC and NNMDA, and the active involvement of Nigerians in holding vendors accountable, there is hope that the tide can be turned in the battle against unsafe herbal concoctions. As the NNMDA continues its work toward greater transparency, it is crucial that all stakeholders—government, regulatory bodies, and the public—remain committed to addressing this urgent health issue.
