Chijioke Iremeka
Stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector have expressed concerns about the underdevelopment of the sector as Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, stating that it remains significantly behind its African counterparts and the global standard in drug manufacturing.
Experts pointed out that Nigeria should have reversed the current trend where only 30 percent of drugs are produced domestically, while 70 percent are imported from different countries of the world.
They emphasised that achieving a higher rate of local manufacturing would have been a significant milestone for the nation at 64, showcasing the need for urgent reforms and investment in the local pharmaceutical industry.
October 1 of every year is a day set aside to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence from British rule on October 1, 1960. The celebration comes with a national holiday.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise in different interviews to commemorate the day, the pharmacists emphasised the critical importance of local drug manufacturing to the country.
They argued that producing 70 per cent of the country’s drug needs would have marked a significant achievement for Nigeria at 64, reinforcing the nation’s drug security.
Dr Lolu Ojo
A Consultant Pharmacist and former Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, Dr Lolu Ojo, said though there has been progress in the pharmaceutical sector from independence to date, the sector, however, was still largely sub-optimised.
Ojo, a member of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, pointed out that the nation’s drug production capacity remained low, with over 70 per cent dependence on imported pharmaceuticals.
“This situation underscores the underdevelopment in our sector and signals that much work still needs to be done,” he stated.
The pharmacist noted that Nigeria’s constant battle with malaria, a disease that has been eradicated in many parts of the world, reflected the country’s struggle to transition from being a net consumer of pharmaceuticals to a net contributor on the global stage.
Ojo emphasised the need for proactive government action to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and position it as a key player in the African market and beyond.
He stated, “We need decisive government action to unlock the potential within the pharmaceutical sector. While we commend recent initiatives, sustainable efforts are crucial to shift Nigeria from being a net consumer to a producer.”
The former AIPN chairman also called on the government to support the local pharmaceutical industry by providing financial backing and increasing patronage to promote growth and development.
Ogheneochuko Omaruaye
The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distribution Association of Nigeria, Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, stated that the lack of drug security became glaring during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when India halted drug exports.
He stressed that if Nigeria had faced a more severe outbreak, the nation could have experienced devastating consequences due to insufficient access to essential medications.
He emphasised the critical need for Nigeria to reverse its current trend in drug manufacturing, adding, “You can imagine what could have happened if COVID-19 had been more devastating in Nigeria.
“If we could achieve a situation where 70 per cent of the drugs consumed annually are produced locally, then we could confidently say we have made significant progress at 64.
“Currently, only 30 per cent of medications are manufactured in Nigeria, with the remaining 70 per cent imported. Drug security is the capacity to produce 70 per cent of medications domestically.”
Omaruaye called for a renewed focus on local manufacturing and improved drug distribution guidelines to enhance Nigeria’s position in the pharmaceutical sector and reduce dependence on imports.
He further emphasised that drugs, whether locally manufactured or imported, must pass through appropriate channels and supply chains to ensure that people received correct and standard medications in a timely and safe manner.
“We must ensure that drugs pass through the correct distribution channels to get to end users, including everyone in our communities. If we can achieve effective manufacturing and distribution, we can truly say that we have done well at 64,” he noted
Omaruaye decried the rise in counterfeit and substandard medications, noting that it was caused by the cost of genuine medications and public affordability.
The PWDAN chairman further called on the government and regulatory bodies to urgently put measures in place to ensure the availability of safe and effective treatments for all Nigerians.
Furthermore, former National Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Jonah Okotie, expressed disappointment that Nigeria had not emerged as a regional powerhouse in the pharmaceutical industry, especially as it celebrates its 64th Independence.
Jonah Okotie
He said, “One would have thought that Nigeria would have become a regional giant in pharmaceuticals, but that is far from the reality. Most of our pharmaceutical materials, including starch, are still imported.”
Okotie further questioned how Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” has overlooked drug manufacturing capabilities, a situation that he sees as a matter of national security, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global disruptions.
He noted that the current state of the industry is a significant departure from where it should be.
Okotie assessed the challenges facing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, attributing them to a lack of vision, political will, and intentionality among leaders across various levels of government and the civil service, including the Customs Service.
He questioned how key ministries such as trade and industry, health, and finance, have failed to implement policies that would ensure medical security for the populace.
The expert, however, remained optimistic about the potential for improvement, stating, “It is not all gloomy; the opportunity is still there if we choose to act.”
Okotie advocated for empowering local producers, suggesting that the government should not only provide grants and affordable financing to mitigate the high cost of funds but also become the highest buyer of essential medicines from local manufacturers.
By doing so, he believes the government could significantly boost the domestic pharmaceutical industry and enhance medicine security for the Nigerian people.
He emphasised the need for a consistent commitment to developmental programs and projects at all levels of government, urging leaders to prioritise the nation’s welfare over personal gain.
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