Pharma Group Advocates for Local Manufacturing in Nigeria

The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration among industry players, regulators, and investors to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported medicines. This announcement was made during a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, where the association revealed plans for its 29th annual national conference scheduled to take place over four days in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The conference, themed "Collaborate to Innovate: Building Local Solutions for the Future of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry," aims to bring together government officials, regulators, investors, and stakeholders to address the sector's persistent weaknesses, including inadequate local manufacturing capacity and weak research and development. Chairman Bankol Ezebulu emphasized the need for urgent collective action and highlighted that Nigeria currently produces only 30% of its pharmaceutical needs.

The conference will also include training sessions designed to equip participants with skills to improve product compliance and operational standards, as well as a free medical outreach program.