Prominent traditional rulers, policymakers, and leaders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for stronger government support to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing and improve national drug security.
They stressed that reducing dependence on imported medicines is critical to safeguarding public health and strengthening the country’s economy.
The call was made at the 2026 Economic Outlook and Chief Executive Officers’ Forum of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Participants at the forum emphasised the need to accelerate efforts toward achieving 70 per cent local drug production by 2030.
Welcoming participants, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Pharm. Ameh Eghomwanre, said the forum was designed to provide practical solutions to challenges facing the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
He noted that industry players are ready to expand investments and create jobs but require policy consistency and improved access to foreign exchange.
The forum, themed “Reimagining Nigeria’s Health Security: Local Production, Economic Sovereignty and Strategic Partnership,” was chaired by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.
He warned that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported medicines poses serious risks to both national health security and economic stability.
Delivering the keynote address, the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, described Nigeria’s dependence on imported drugs as a major strategic vulnerability.
He said deliberate political and economic policies are needed to support domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce exposure to global supply disruptions.
A former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, urged pharmacists and industry stakeholders to play stronger leadership roles in advancing the profession and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through increased local manufacturing.
In his remarks, NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. Bankole Ezebuilo, described medicines and vaccines as strategic national assets, stressing that long-term financing, policy stability, and sustained collaboration between government, regulators, and industry players are essential to achieving pharmaceutical self-reliance in Nigeria.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo