Stakeholders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry have raised alarms about the sector’s inadequate development as the country celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary.
They contend that Nigeria is significantly lagging behind its African peers and global standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Experts highlighted that Nigeria should have reversed the current situation where only 30 percent of medicines are produced domestically, while the remaining 70 percent are imported from various countries.
They emphasized that increasing the proportion of locally manufactured drugs would have marked a considerable achievement for the nation at 64, underscoring the urgent need for reforms and investments in the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
October 1 is designated each year to honor Nigeria’s independence from British rule, which occurred on October 1, 1960. This occasion is recognized with a national holiday.
NAIJATRAFFIC discovered that, pharmacists underscored the critical role of local drug manufacturing for the country.
They argued that achieving 70 percent self-sufficiency in drug production would represent a significant milestone for Nigeria at this stage, reinforcing the country’s drug security.
Dr. Lolu Ojo, a consultant pharmacist and former chair of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, noted that while there has been progress in the pharmaceutical sector since independence, much of it remains under-optimized.
A member of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group within the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ojo pointed out the nation’s low drug production capacity, with over 70 percent of pharmaceuticals being imported.
“This situation underscores the underdevelopment in our sector and signals that much work still needs to be done,” he noted.
He observed that Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with malaria, a disease that has been eradicated in many regions, reflects its difficulty in moving from being a net consumer of pharmaceuticals to becoming a significant contributor globally.
Ojo stressed the necessity for proactive governmental intervention to bolster Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and establish it as a key player in the African market and beyond.
“We need decisive government action to unlock the potential within the pharmaceutical sector. While we commend recent initiatives, sustainable efforts are crucial to shift Nigeria from being a net consumer to a producer.” he asserted.
The former AIPN chair also urged the government to assist the local pharmaceutical sector by providing financial support and increasing patronage to foster growth and development.
Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distribution Association of Nigeria, pointed out that the lack of drug security became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when India suspended drug exports.
He emphasized that had Nigeria encountered a more severe outbreak, the consequences could have been catastrophic due to insufficient access to crucial medications.
He reiterated the urgent need for Nigeria to change its course in drug manufacturing, adding that it is essential for the country’s health security.
“You can imagine what could have happened if COVID-19 had been more devastating in Nigeria.
“If we could achieve a situation where 70 per cent of the drugs consumed annually are produced locally, then we could confidently say we have made significant progress at 64.
“Currently, only 30 per cent of medications are manufactured in Nigeria, with the remaining 70 per cent imported. Drug security is the capacity to produce 70 per cent of medications domestically.”
Omaruaye Urged for a renewed focus on local manufacturing and improved drug distribution guidelines to enhance Nigeria’s position in the pharmaceutical sector and reduce dependence on imports.
He also explained that drugs, whether locally manufactured or imported, must pass through appropriate channels and supply chains to ensure that people received correct and standard medications in a timely and safe manner.
“We must ensure that drugs pass through the correct distribution channels to get to end users, including everyone in our communities. If we can achieve effective manufacturing and distribution, we can truly say that we have done well at 64,” he said.
Omaruaye expressed concern over the increase in counterfeit and substandard medications due to the high cost of genuine drugs and public affordability.
The PWDAN chairman urged the government and regulatory bodies to take immediate steps to ensure access to safe and effective treatments for all Nigerians.
Jonah Okotie, former National Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, lamented Nigeria’s failure to establish itself as a regional leader in the pharmaceutical industry, especially during its 64th Independence Anniversary.
He emphasized , “One would have thought that Nigeria would have become a regional giant in pharmaceuticals, but that is far from the reality. Most of our pharmaceutical materials, including starch, are still imported.”
He pointed out that the country still heavily relies on imported pharmaceutical materials despite its potential as a regional giant.
Okotie raised concerns about the lack of emphasis on drug manufacturing capabilities, which he views as a matter of national security highlighted by the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Okotie identified a lack of vision, political will, and intentionality among leaders in government and civil service as key challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
He questioned the failure of essential ministries like trade and industry, health, and finance to implement policies ensuring medical security for the population.
Despite these challenges, Okotie remained hopeful for improvement, emphasizing the importance of supporting local producers through grants, affordable financing, and government procurement of essential medicines to enhance the domestic pharmaceutical industry and ensure medicine security for Nigerians.
He called for a consistent commitment to developmental programs and projects at all levels of government, urging leaders to prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal gain.
