Lagos: In order to ensure self-sufficiency and medicine security in the country, experts in the pharmaceutical sector urge governments to prioritize investment and provide an enabling environment for local drugs and medicines manufacturers. The pharmacists made the call in Lagos, at the 40th anniversary celebration of the 1985 graduation class of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Enugu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the three-day event was tagged ‘Pharmily Circle’ 85 Ruby Celebration. The President of the class, Mr. Dozie Chukwuanu, stated that the country possesses the potential to achieve self-sufficiency but requires government action to reduce dependency on drug importation and enhance local production. Chukwuanu, who is also the Head of Strategic Business Development at Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the necessity for robust regulations and increased border surveillance to combat the influx of counterfeit drugs.
Chukwuanu highlighted the need for government intervention to enhance local drug production, explaining that 80 percent of most drugs are organic compounds derived from petrochemicals. He pointed out that countries such as South Korea, India, and China import petrochemicals from Nigeria to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, which they then sell back to Nigeria. He attributed this success in those countries to strong government support and recognition of the importance of drug security. While acknowledging the efforts of NAFDAC, he stressed the need for improved surveillance at entry points to prevent fake drugs from jeopardizing public health.
The event also served as a homecoming for the class members, allowing them to reconnect and express gratitude for their health and longevity. ‘We graduated 40 years ago from UNN; some of us have not seen one another since we left school, so, this is a reunion for us to interact and reconnect,’ Chukwuanu explained.
Dr. Obinna Okereke, the owner of CYNOB Pharmacy in California, U.S., also urged the government to implement strong policies to address the issue of fake drugs. As Chairman of the Planning Committee, Okereke called for collaboration between NAFDAC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to combat the influx of substandard drugs that increase disease burden and mortality. He urged NAFDAC to coordinate with countries exporting drugs to Nigeria to ensure they do not supply substandard products.
The celebration included the donation of 40 laptops to their alma mater, demonstrating the graduates’ ongoing commitment to supporting the university. ‘Graduating from university 40 years ago is a thing of joy for us and that is why we are gathered to celebrate this feat made possible by God,’ Okereke said.
Prof. Chukwuemeka Nworu, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UNN, congratulated the 1985 set for their milestone celebration and acknowledged their continuous support to the faculty. He emphasized the evolving nature of the pharmaceutical profession and the need for increased investment to bolster local drug production. Prof. Nworu noted that self-sufficiency in drug production would not only enhance the health and wellbeing of Nigerians but also stimulate economic growth and job creation.