Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector is undergoing significant transformation, aiming to boost local drug production to 70%. This initiative was highlighted by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), during the 7th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers’ EXPO held in Lagos.

At this event, organized by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) in collaboration with GPE EXPO PVT. LTD., Adeyeye noted that local drug production has already exceeded 30% and is nearing 40%.

“Our objective is to elevate local manufacturing to 70% while restricting imports to 10%. This transition will foster a more resilient and self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry,” she stated.

She underscored the importance of reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported medications to ensure drug security, quality, and affordability for the populace.

In a related development, Adeyeye announced that Swiss Pharma Nigeria Ltd’s antimalarial drugs have been included in the World Health Organization’s list of pre-qualified medicines. This achievement marks Swiss Pharma as the first local manufacturer in Nigeria and the West and Central African region to have two of its products recognized.

NAFDAC’s technical assistance played a crucial role in this accomplishment, aiding in the WHO’s inspection and review processes. “This is a landmark achievement for our industry, and we anticipate that more local products will achieve pre-qualification, further strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape,” Adeyeye remarked.

NAFDAC has recognized a significant challenge in Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry, with more than 50% of certificates for imported pharmaceutical products being fraudulent.

This pervasive issue with counterfeit certificates poses a serious risk to public health, as it permits the circulation of substandard and falsified medications, thereby threatening the efforts to provide safe and affordable healthcare and undermining the overarching objective of achieving universal health coverage.

In an effort to address inflation and ease the economic burden on citizens, the Federal Government may be initiating a strategy to suspend import duties on staple food items, medications, and other essential goods for a period of six months. 

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has also called for an executive order to abolish duties on pharmaceutical imports, given the high costs associated with pharmaceuticals and other vital products, which can place a considerable strain on households.

Enhancing local pharmaceutical production is essential for addressing inflation and supply chain challenges. By boosting domestic drug manufacturing, Nigeria can lessen its dependence on imports, alleviate supply interruptions, and stabilize prices. Robust fiscal policies are necessary to foster this growth and stabilize the economy.