Experts Call for Boost in Local Drug Manufacturing to Ensure Nigeria’s Medicine Security

Industry leaders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector have urged a stronger emphasis on domestic drug production, describing it as the most reliable way to secure affordable and consistent access to essential medicines.

The call came during celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday evening. Experts warned that Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines continues to drive up drug costs, strain foreign exchange reserves, and create vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

Geneith’s MD/CEO, Emmanuel Umenwa, highlighted the company’s commitment to strengthening local production as a strategy to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign suppliers. “Over the past 25 years, we have worked to expand access to essential medicines. The next phase focuses on boosting local manufacturing, ensuring quality, and promoting sustainability,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Ade Popoola, CEO of Reals Pharmaceuticals Limited, praised Geneith for its milestone and stressed the need for Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to embrace domestic production to achieve medicine security and economic stability. He noted that countries leading in pharmaceutical manufacturing control pricing and innovation, and that Nigeria has the resources and market potential to compete regionally.

Other speakers, including Professor Ighodaro Igbe of the University of Benin, Lizzette Njideka Ezenekwe of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and PSN President Tanko Ayuba, underscored the importance of retaining skilled personnel, strengthening quality systems, and building local production capacity. They also urged government support through stable policies, infrastructure development, timely payments, and access to financing.

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, and other dignitaries, including former Minister Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Sir Nnamdi Obi, lauded Geneith’s initiative, describing it as a critical step toward long-term drug security in Nigeria.