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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector have called on the Federal Government to scale up support for local manufacturers, saying stronger government intervention is critical to sustaining production, reducing dependence on imports and positioning Nigeria as a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa.
This call was made during a press conference to herald the 8th Edition of the Nigerian Pharma Manufacturing Expo (NPME) 2026, scheduled to hold from September 28 to 29 in Lagos.
Speaking at the briefing, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Patrick Ajah, urged the government at all levels to take responsibility for key infrastructural challenges affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers, particularly power supply, funding and industrial support systems.
According to him, while local manufacturers remain committed to producing medicines in Nigeria, operating costs continue to rise due to inadequate infrastructure, making expansion difficult.
He noted that improving support for local pharmaceutical production would not only help Nigerian companies remain competitive but would also encourage foreign pharmaceutical investors to establish manufacturing plants in the country rather than exporting finished products into the Nigerian market.
“The government knows we exist, but more needs to be done,” he said. “Doing more means showing greater interest in funding and supporting the industry. If the government can take responsibility for some of the challenges manufacturers face, especially around power, it will significantly reduce operational pressure on us.”
He explained that energy remains one of the biggest barriers to expansion for pharmaceutical companies.
“Some state governments have approached us to build pharma parks, but the first question I ask is how they intend to manage power. Most times, there is no clear answer. Without reliable power, building more factories simply creates more problems,” he said.
The CEO disclosed that maintaining existing facilities already costs manufacturers huge sums annually, making expansion to additional plants financially risky without government-backed infrastructure.
He stressed that resolving these bottlenecks would encourage more importers to transition into local manufacturing, a move he believes would strengthen the country’s economy and healthcare system.
“Our products are still cheaper in the market compared to many imported alternatives. If more people are encouraged to produce locally and the cost burden is addressed, the country will benefit. When we begin exporting more Made-in-Nigeria pharmaceutical products, we will earn more foreign exchange and strengthen the economy,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) made a passionate appeal to both existing manufacturers and pharmaceutical importers.
He urged Nigerian manufacturers to increase investments not only for profit but also as a patriotic contribution to national development.
“For those already manufacturing locally, we want them to invest more, not just to make money, but as patriotic citizens committed to national growth,” he said.
Addressing importers, he referenced the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s “5+5 policy” as an opportunity for importers to establish production facilities in Nigeria.
He said the policy should serve as an incentive for companies that currently import medicines into Nigeria to begin producing locally.
“We welcome those who are importing. Let them come and join us to build our country. India was not always where it is today. Through deliberate investment and local production, it became a global pharmaceutical manufacturing giant,” he said.
He added that many multinational pharmaceutical companies serving Europe and North America now manufacture extensively in India and questioned why Nigeria cannot become a similar destination for drug production in Africa.
“More than 80 percent of anti-malaria drugs consumed here are made in India. Why can’t those same products be made in Nigeria? The companies already making money from this market should come and invest here. Our people have made them rich; now they should help build capacity here by establishing factories in Nigeria,” he said.
The Nigerian Pharma Manufacturing Expo is expected to bring together local and international stakeholders, investors, regulators, manufacturers and suppliers across the pharmaceutical value chain.
Organisers said the event would provide a platform for industry players to showcase products, technologies and innovations, while fostering conversations around investment, regulation, local production and the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria.
Industry leaders expressed optimism that with the right policies and government support, Nigeria can become a leading producer of medicines on the continent, reduce dependence on imports, create jobs and improve access to affordable healthcare for millions of Nigerians.
