Nigerian Pharma Industry Set for Transformational Growth, Says Federal Government

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the pharmaceutical industry, positioning it for transformative growth that promises enhanced access to medicines and substantial socio-economic benefits. This was disclosed during the 97th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Delivering a keynote address, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Dr Obi Peter Adigwe, Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), highlighted the sector's strategic importance in revolutionising healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Themed “Transforming Pharmaceutical Innovation to Facilitate Equitable Healthcare in Emerging Economies,” the conference provided a platform for deliberating policies and innovations aimed at advancing healthcare.

Strategic Reforms to Boost the Pharma SectorProf. Pate detailed the Federal Government’s targeted reforms in four thematic areas:

1. Governance 

2. Population Health Outcomes 

3. Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain 

4. Health Security 

The minister highlighted the enactment of Executive Order No. 3, mandating public institutions to prioritise locally manufactured drugs, as a key milestone under the Presidential Value Chain Progress initiative. This reform focuses on strengthening medicine security by increasing local pharmaceutical production and reducing reliance on imports.

Major Developments and Investments

- Clinical Trial Centres: Plans to establish centres nationwide to bolster drug development and testing.

- Vaccine Production: An €18 million grant from the EU to support vaccine research and production, aligning with the 2024-2034 National Plan for Vaccine Research and Local Production.

- Pharma Sector Financing: Introduction of grants, low-interest loans, and procurement opportunities to stimulate investment in the sector.

Prof. Pate stressed the urgent need to expand Nigeria's pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, noting the stark disparity between Nigeria’s 170 manufacturers serving 210 million people and India’s 5,000 manufacturers for 1.3 billion people. The government aims to position Nigeria as the "India of Africa" in pharmaceutical production.

Collaboration for Sustainable Growth

The minister called on stakeholders, including professional bodies like PSN, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), to collaborate on implementing these reforms. He also emphasised the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into healthcare to stay competitive in the global market.

Aligning with Global Goals

Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, commended the conference’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Quality Healthcare for All by 2030). She reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to eradicating fake drugs and enhancing the safety and quality of medicines in Nigeria.The Chairman of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Hajia Wasilatu Giwa, echoed the call for stronger collaboration to tackle rising medicine costs and curb the ‘japa’ syndrome affecting the healthcare workforce.