From John Silas, Lagos
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector have called on the Federal Government to strengthen support for local manufacturers, stressing that improved infrastructure, funding, and industrial policies are essential to transforming Nigeria into a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa.
The stakeholders made the call during a press conference ahead of the 8th Edition of the Nigerian Pharma Manufacturing Expo (NPME) 2026, scheduled to hold on Sept. 28 and 29 at Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Industry leaders at the briefing said Nigeria possesses the capacity to significantly reduce dependence on imported medicines if the government creates a more enabling environment for pharmaceutical production.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of May & Baker Nigeria Plc urged governments at all levels to address critical infrastructural challenges confronting pharmaceutical manufacturers, especially electricity supply and access to funding.
According to him, manufacturers remain committed to producing medicines locally, but rising operational costs caused by inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder growth and expansion.
“The government knows we exist, but more needs to be done,” he said. “Doing more means showing greater interest in funding and supporting the industry. If the government can take responsibility for some of the challenges manufacturers face, especially around power, it will significantly reduce operational pressure on us.”
He identified energy supply as one of the biggest barriers limiting expansion within the pharmaceutical sector.
“Some state governments have approached us to build pharma parks, but the first question I ask is how they intend to manage power. Most times, there is no clear answer. Without reliable power, building more factories simply creates more problems,” he said.
The CEO noted that maintaining existing pharmaceutical facilities already consumes huge financial resources annually, making it difficult for companies to expand operations without strong infrastructural support from the government.
He explained that improved support for local manufacturing would not only strengthen indigenous companies but would also attract multinational pharmaceutical firms to establish production plants in Nigeria instead of importing finished products into the country.
“Our products are still cheaper in the market compared to many imported alternatives. If more people are encouraged to produce locally and the cost burden is addressed, the country will benefit,” he said.
He added that increasing local production and exports of Made-in-Nigeria pharmaceutical products would help Nigeria earn foreign exchange, create jobs, and strengthen the healthcare sector.
Also speaking, the President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) appealed to both existing manufacturers and pharmaceutical importers to invest more in local production.
He urged Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers to see investment in local production as a patriotic contribution toward national development and healthcare sustainability.
“For those already manufacturing locally, we want them to invest more, not just to make money, but as patriotic citizens committed to national growth,” he said.
