Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria seek Fed Govt super support to boost locally manufactured drugs in Nigeria

R-L: Mr.Jacob Kuriam, DMD Jawal Pharma Nig. Pharm.Frank Muonemeh Executive Secretary PMGMAN, Pharm Patrick Ajah, MD/CEO May&Baker Plc, chairman of the NPME 2026.Pharm. Olusola Akande Eexcutive Director Drugfield Pharma ltd. Pharm. Aakash Kothari MD SagarVitaceuticals Nig ltd.

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) stakeholders in Nigeria are urging the federal government to provide improved infrastructure, particularly reliable power and funding, to support local drug manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and establish the nation as a regional pharmaceutical hub.

Ahead of the 8th Nigerian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Expo scheduled to hold on September 28–29, 2026, at Harbour Point Event Centre, Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, Lagos., the industry leaders during a press briefing presented by the EXPO Planning Committee Chairman and MD of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Pharm Patrick Ajah, called for deeper investment, citing high operational costs and urging importers to utilize the NAFDAC “5+5 policy” to shift production locally.

The upcoming EXPO, to be held in Lagos, will serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss these critical industry challenges and future growth strategies.

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Leaders Urge Government Support to Boost Local Drug Manufacturing in Nigeria.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Manufacturing sector have called on the Federal Government to scale up support for local manufacturers, saying stronger government intervention is critical to sustaining production, reducing dependence on imports, and positioning Nigeria as a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Africa.

This call was made during a press conference heralding the 8th Edition of the Nigerian Pharma Manufacturing Expo (NPME) 2026,

Speaking at the briefing, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of urged government at all levels to take responsibility for key infrastructural challenges affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers, particularly power supply, funding, and industrial support systems.

According to him, while local manufacturers remain committed to producing medicines in Nigeria, operating costs continue to rise due to inadequate infrastructure, making expansion difficult.

He noted that improving support for local pharmaceutical production would not only help Nigerian companies remain competitive but would also encourage foreign pharmaceutical investors to establish manufacturing plants in the country rather than exporting finished products into the Nigerian market.

“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 government can take responsibility for some of the challenges manufacturers face, especially around power, it will significantly reduce operational pressure on us.”

He explained that energy remains one of the biggest barriers to expansion for Pharmaceutical Companies etc

“Some state governments have approached us to build Pharma parks, but the first question I asked was how do they intend to manage the power supply. Most times there is no clear answer. With epileptic power supply, building more local factories poses a lot of problems,” he said.

The CEO disclosed that maintaining existing facilities already costs manufacturers huge sums annually, making expansion to additional plants financially risky without government-backed infrastructure.

Pharm Ajah, stressed that resolving these bottlenecks would encourage more importers to transition into local manufacturing, a move he believes will strengthen the country’s economy and healthcare system.

“Compared to many imported alternatives, our products are still cheaper in the market . If more people are encouraged to produce locally and the cost burden is addressed, the country will benefit. When we begin exporting more Made-in-Nigeria pharmaceutical products. We will earn more foreign exchange and strengthen the economy,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) made a passionate appeal to both existing manufacturers and pharmaceutical importers.

He urged Nigerian manufacturers to increase investments not only for profit but also as a patriotic contribution to national development.

“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.

Addressing importers, he referenced National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s “5+5 policy” as an opportunity for importers to establish production facilities in Nigeria.

He said the policy should serve as an incentive for companies that currently import medicines into Nigeria to begin producing locally.

“We welcome those who are importing to come and join us to build our Country. India was not always where it is today. Through deliberate investment and local production, it became a Global Pharmaceutical Manufacturing giant,” he said.

He added that many multinational Pharmaceutical Companies serving Europe and North America now manufacture extensively in India, and questioned why Nigeria cannot become a similar destination for drug production in Africa.

“More than 80 percent of anti-malaria drugs consumed here in Nigeria are made in India. Why can’t those same products be made in Nigeria? The companies that are already making money from this market should come and invest here. Our people have enriched them; now they should help build capacity here by establishing factories in Nigeria,” he said.

The Nigerian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Expo is expected to bring together local and international stakeholders, investors, regulators, manufacturers, and suppliers across the pharmaceutical value chain, from China, India and Switzerland.

Organisers say the event will provide a platform for the industry players to showcase affordable, upgraded and new products, technologies, and innovations while fostering conversations around investment, regulation, local production, and the future of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Nigeria.

Industry leaders expressed optimism that with the right policies and increased government support, Nigeria can become a leading producer of medicines throughout Africa, reduce dependence on imports, create more jobs, and improve access to affordable healthcare for greater Nigerian population.

He also said that the EXPO also aimed at recruiting young people, who presently are no longer interested in the industry, to groom them to sustain the industry.

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