Lagos: Mr. Patrick Ajah, the Managing Director of May and Baker Nigeria Plc., emphasized the importance of strong local manufacturing and a nationwide field presence in giving domestic drug makers an advantage in the fight against counterfeit medicines. Ajah, a seasoned pharmacist, shared these insights during the presentation of the 2026 Excellence in Leadership Award plaque by the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) in his Lagos office.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ajah explained that local manufacturers benefit from long-standing relationships with pharmacies and wholesalers, established through years of direct engagement across Nigeria. Unlike foreign firms, local companies have staff embedded nationwide, enabling them to respond swiftly when suspicious products appear on shelves. Pharmacies and distributors often serve as the first line of defense against counterfeit products, recognizing genuine packaging and company personnel.
Ajah highlighted that this rapid feedback mechanism is challenging for foreign manufacturers, particularly as multinational pharmaceutical companies scale down or exit the Nigerian market. Companies without a local presence struggle to detect and trace counterfeit products, increasing risks to patients and the healthcare system from substandard medicines.
He acknowledged the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in combating counterfeit drugs but noted that Nigeria’s vast and complex market poses enforcement challenges. Ajah also commented on the macroeconomic environment, describing recent foreign exchange volatility as particularly harsh on manufacturers reliant on imported inputs. The shift away from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s interventionist schemes has left producers vulnerable to market-driven exchange rate fluctuations and higher input costs.
Despite these challenges, Ajah asserted that a robust local manufacturing base, supported by strong regulatory measures and vigilant supply-chain partners, remains Nigeria’s best defense against counterfeit medicines. He also reflected on May and Baker’s market performance, noting the company’s significant revenue growth and ambitious future targets. Over the past five years, the company has quadrupled its revenue and aims to double it within the next three years.