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Effective communication of health benefits and risks is crucial to ensuring patient safety and informed decision-making. In Nigeria, several challenges hinder the ability of many individuals to make well-informed healthcare choices. One such is the low literacy rate, with approximately 34.2% of adults unable to read or write. This is particularly pronounced in rural areas where healthcare services and educational opportunities are limited, leading to a widening gap in health literacy and understanding between rural and urban communities. With limited literacy, individuals face challenges interpreting medical information, evaluating treatment options, and following healthcare recommendations, often resulting in poor health outcomes.Cultural beliefs, and traditional practices also strongly influence perceptions of modern medicine across Nigeria. Many Nigerians maintain deeply rooted cultural views on health and wellness, including a strong preference for traditional remedies. Herbal treatments, for example, are widely trusted and used to manage chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, as well as bone fractures. While valuable in some respects, these traditional approaches, frequently clash with modern medical practices, creating tension between patients and healthcare providers, which can lead to misunderstandings, and reduce adherence to prescribed treatments, as patients may be hesitant to fully embrace or trust medical recommendations that conflict from cultural norms.Socioeconomic factors further compound these challenges, restricting healthcare access for a large percent of the population. With over 40% of Nigerians living below the poverty line, financial limitations prevent many from seeking professional healthcare, consequently, individuals often resort to self-medication or unregulated treatments as more affordable alternatives, for instance, 70% of Nigerians self-medicate, using over-the-counter medications including antibiotics and painkillers. Unfortunately, these alternatives can lead to harmful outcomes, such as drug dependency, ineffective management of chronic conditions, and increased risk of side effects.To address these multifaceted barriers, healthcare providers must employ culturally sensitive and contextually relevant communication strategies. Simplifying medical information, involving respected community leaders, and using local languages in health education campaigns can make healthcare messages more accessible and meaningful. Furthermore, policy reforms and investments in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, are essential to improving access to quality care and health information. With these measures, amongst others, Nigeria may then be able to bridge health literacy gaps, promote safer healthcare practices, and support healthier populations, across its diverse communities.