Prominent traditional rulers, health leaders, and industry stakeholders have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, urging stronger government support to boost local drug production.
The call was made at the 2026 NAIP Economic Outlook and CEOs Forum held in Lagos, where participants pressed for accelerated action toward achieving 70 percent local drug manufacturing by 2030.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Pharmacist Ameh Eghomwanre, said the industry is ready to invest and create jobs but needs clear policies and stable access to foreign exchange.
The forum, themed “Reimagining Nigeria’s Health Security,” was chaired by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, who warned against overdependence on imported medicines.
Keynote speaker, the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, revealed that 70 percent of drugs used in Nigeria are imported, mostly from India, describing the trend as a national security risk.
Former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, urged pharmacists to assert greater professional influence to drive sectoral reforms.
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharmacist Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, praised NAIP’s leadership for positioning the association for greater impact.
Legislative backing was signaled by a member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman of the NAFDAC Committee, Honorable Uchenna Harris Okonkwo.
Top regulators, including the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and NAFDAC, also endorsed the push for local manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers and CEOs however, pledged commitment to the 2030 production target.
NAIP Chairman, Pharmacist Bankole Ezebuilo, described medicines and vaccines as strategic national assets requiring long-term investment financing.
He submitted that Nigeria must urgently take control of its health security by prioritizing innovation, partnership, and sustainable local production.
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