The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced that the state is in the process of establishing a drug manufacturing agency aimed at enhancing access to quality pharmaceuticals and consumables.

This announcement was made during the opening of the 7th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers’ Expo in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this biennial event, organized by PMG-MAN and GPE Expo PVT. Ltd, is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing exhibition in Central and West Africa.

The Expo, themed “Fostering Partnership and Innovation to Unlock the Pharma Manufacturing Value Chain in Nigeria, Central and West Africa,” featured 55 companies from China and India, along with 100 members of PMG-MAN.

Abayomi stated, “The Lagos State Government is currently drafting legislation for the drug management agency, which will be presented to the cabinet and subsequently to the Lagos Assembly.

Other states have already implemented similar initiatives. We have fallen behind, especially given the numerous industrial platforms in Lagos and Ogun states, where a significant portion of drug production occurs.

This initiative will not only support local manufacturing but also promote comprehensive quality assurance, including random testing in collaboration with NAFDAC and partnerships with the private sector.” He praised PMG-MAN for leading efforts to enhance local production for drug sufficiency in Nigeria.

The commissioner encouraged local manufacturers to adopt global best practices, emphasizing that medicine security and national safety are vital for the country's well-being.

“Today marks another opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to recognize the requirements for fostering self-sufficiency in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.

We must ensure that our citizens are not endangered, as substandard medications can lead to serious health issues or even fatalities,” he remarked.