Ilorin: The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has called for a gradual halt to the importation of medicines in order to reduce dependency and boost local production. Mr. Bankole Ezebuilo, the National Chairman of the association, made the call at the ongoing 29th Annual National Conference of NAIP on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the conference is ‘Collaboration and Innovation to Build Local Solutions for the Future of Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Industry.’ The NAIP chairman emphasized the need to enhance global competitiveness and improve healthcare delivery within the country. He explained that the theme was carefully selected to address the current challenges confronting the sector, highlighting that no nation can outsource its health security, and no sector can thrive in isolation.
Ezebuilo called on the government to create enabling policies and urged industry players to invest boldly, while encouraging academia to align research with practical needs. He stressed the need for stakeholders to move from isolated efforts to an integrated system, stating that a nation that cannot produce its own medicines is negotiating with its health.
He noted that Nigeria stands at a defining moment of continued dependence on importing over 70 percent of the country’s medicines, which exposes the country to currency volatility, global disruptions, and external decisions. He contrasted this with the potential for local innovation, resilient manufacturing, and an industry that serves not only Nigeria but also leads Africa.
Ezebuilo highlighted the importance of capacity building, noting that it transforms willingness into competence and excellence into industry-wide impact. He stressed that capacity building must be central to efforts to reduce dependency and improve local production.
In her lecture, Dr. Henrietta Ukwu, the Executive Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer at Novavax USA, emphasized the need for industry capacity building and meaningful collaboration to drive the sector forward. Her lecture focused on Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry as a pillar of national health, wealth, and security.
Ukwu urged stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s natural resources to build a sustainable and globally competitive pharmaceutical industry. She noted that while progress is being made by the Federal Government, there is still significant room for improvement. She recommended the adoption of sustainable technologies, strengthened capacity building, improved infrastructure, and the provision of stable electricity and water supply to create a conducive business environment.