Every week, Nigerians spend billions of naira on herbal products with no way to know whether what they're buying is safe. Here is a practical checklist.
Check for NAFDAC Registration
Every legitimate herbal product sold in Nigeria must have a NAFDAC registration number. You can verify this at nafdac.gov.ng. If a product doesn't have one — or if the number doesn't verify — don't buy it.
Read the Ingredient List
A legitimate product lists every ingredient, including amounts. Be wary of "proprietary blends" that don't disclose quantities. Natural doesn't mean safe — dosage matters.
Look for Batch Numbers and Expiry Dates
Herbal products degrade over time, sometimes producing harmful compounds. If a product has no expiry date or batch number, the manufacturer cannot be held accountable.
Research the Brand
Does the brand have a functioning website? A customer service number that works? Physical address? Unregistered brands often disappear after complaints.
Watch for Red-Flag Claims
Phrases like "cures cancer," "reverses diabetes," or "100% guaranteed" are red flags. No herbal product can legally make drug claims in Nigeria.
