The Lagos State Government has announced the formation of a joint technical committee aimed at regulating the sales of herbal products on social media platforms.
This initiative was driven by concerns over the "ease of access and proliferation of unregistered and potentially harmful herbal medicines marketed online."
Afolabi Solebo, the General Manager of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), highlighted that the establishment of this committee was a key outcome of their recent visit to the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB).
Solebo emphasized the government's commitment to raising public awareness about the dangers associated with unregistered herbal drugs. He stated, "In agreement with the Traditional Medicine Board, we are planning campaigns to educate consumers about the dangers of unregistered herbal drugs, as well as the importance of purchasing products from reputable sources."
The committee's responsibilities will include mapping out strategies to regulate these sales and providing a platform for consumers to report suspicious products and vendors. Solebo noted the major health risks posed by the rampant sales of unregulated herbal drugs, particularly on social media platforms.
He remarked, "Many of these products have not undergone the necessary safety evaluations, and their efficacy is often questionable. This not only endangers public health but also undermines the credibility of genuine traditional medicine practitioners."
Babatunde Adele, the Registrar of LSTMB, expressed support for the initiative, underlining the board’s readiness to collaborate with LASCOPA.
He stated, "We are committed to upholding the integrity of traditional medicine in Lagos State. By working closely with LASCOPA, we can strengthen our regulatory frameworks and take decisive action against those who flout the rule
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