In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has broken ground on a state-of-the-art Research Centre at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in NAIP’s strategic initiative to establish cutting-edge research facilities across three key locations namely Kano, Anambra, and Lagos, with the aim of enhancing pharmaceutical distribution, research, and quality assurance nationwide.
Presiding over the ceremony was Chief (Dr.) U.N.O. Uwaga, a past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), while the traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Ezechuamagha I, served as the Guest of Honour.
In his address, NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, described the project as a forward-looking step toward achieving pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and elevating Nigeria’s status in the global healthcare arena.
“It is heartwarming that NAIP is laying the foundation for this landmark centre in Anambra. We deeply appreciate the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for generously providing the land at no cost,” Ezebuilo stated.
He emphasized that the facility is designed to meet international standards, offering training, collaborative research opportunities, and warehousing capabilities that will support temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.
NAIP’s vision, he noted, is to build infrastructure that promotes quality assurance, strengthens public health systems, and improves the accessibility and safety of medications across Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, former PSN President, Pharm. (Sir) Azubuike Okwor, lauded Anambra’s leadership in healthcare innovation.
“Anambra has always been a pacesetter in the field of pharmacy, particularly in the South East. I’m proud that we are taking yet another bold step in pharmaceutical development,” he remarked.
Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, also a former PSN President, echoed similar sentiments.
“Given what NAIP has achieved in Kano, I have no doubt that this facility in Anambra will surpass expectations, especially under the leadership of a visionary like Ezebuilo,” he said.
The event drew a host of prominent stakeholders, including past and current PSN executives, government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from NAIP branches in Anambra and Delta States.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were:
Pharm. Anthony Akhimien, MD/CEO, Teo Pharmacy, HRM (Pharm.) Alex Uzo Onyido, Igwe Ezechuamagha I of Ogidi Kingdom, Pharm. (Dr.) Oby Uchebo, Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Kene Igweagu, MD, Rugal Pharmaceuticals, Pharm. Elechi Oyim, AHAPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Chisom Uchem, Executive Director, Anambra PHCDA, Pharm. (Dr.) Egbuna Udeorah Chekwube, Second Vice National President (South), PSN, Pharm. Banji, Deputy Vice President (North), PSN, Pharm. Gloria Chinwuko, NAIP Delta State Chairperson, Pharm. Gbenga Falabi, Past NAIP Chairman, Pharm. Agbomma Esom-Ibe, Pharm. (Dr.) Nnadozie Godwin, Special Adviser to the Governor on Medicals and Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Harrison Abone, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Pharm. (Dr.) O.P. Ezeh, retired Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. (Dr.) Uchebo Obiageli, Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health and Udeh-Akpe, former Permanent Secretary.
The proposed Research Centre will house modern laboratories, training halls, and quality control units to ensure thorough evaluation of medicines before they enter the distribution chain. This effort is part of a broader national push to curb drug insecurity, eliminate substandard products, and promote ethical standards in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
In addition to quality control, the facility will support continuous professional development through conferences, workshops, and industry roundtables, fostering innovation and collaboration among stakeholders.
Pharm. Ezebuilo reaffirmed NAIP’s commitment to workforce development and public health advancement.
“With the right infrastructure and training, we can transform pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s health outcomes,” he said.
As Nigeria navigates complex healthcare challenges, the launch of the Anambra Research Centre signals a turning point in the industrial pharmacy sector, prioritizing quality, safety, and global competitiveness.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo