Former Health Minister and immediate past President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, has made a resounding call for Nigeria to re-industrialise and achieve self-sufficiency in drug production. Speaking in Lagos during the unveiling of a book titled “The Pharmaceutical Industry and Drug Production in Nigeria,” Adelusi-Adeluyi emphasized the critical need for pharmacists to lead efforts in revitalizing the nation’s pharmaceutical industry.
Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Industry
Adelusi-Adeluyi lamented that over 70% of drugs consumed in Nigeria are imported, leaving the country vulnerable to economic and health-related challenges. He linked the lack of local drug manufacturing to diminished economic power, stressing that nations with strong industrial bases dominate global economic and political systems.
“The golden rule in business is that he who has the gold dictates the rules. Over-reliance on imported drugs leaves us at a disadvantage, and this book provides a clear road map for addressing this issue,” he remarked.
He called for pharmacists, armed with their expertise and resources, to drive the revival of the pharmaceutical industry and ensure Nigeria’s re-entry into the global industrialisation circuit. He noted that while Nigeria has over 130 pharmaceutical manufacturing units, this is dwarfed by India’s 3,000 drug companies and 10,000 manufacturing facilities, underscoring the need for accelerated growth.
Advocacy for Innovation and Self-Sufficiency
The book’s author, Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai, a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Founder/CEO of Pharmaplus Nigeria Limited, echoed the call for innovation and increased local manufacturing. Inspired by the late Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Yakasai developed a strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
“We need to elevate local manufacturing beyond its current level. I urge young pharmacists, industry leaders, and policymakers to join me in driving innovation and growth in the sector,” he said.
Yakasai revealed that proceeds from the book launch, estimated at N500 million, would be dedicated to advancing girl-child education in his hometown in Kano State. He also commended the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) for its investment in the pharmaceutical sector, noting its potential to enhance local drug production and impact national health and economic development positively.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Industry
In his review, Prof. Lere Baale, President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, praised the book for its in-depth historical analysis of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. The book traces the sector’s evolution from the colonial era to modern times, highlighting milestones and the contributions of indigenous companies.
Baale noted that one of the book’s core messages is the urgent need to shift from dependence on imported drugs to local manufacturing. He commended the book’s rigorous research and use of historical records, data, and policy documents to offer actionable insights into Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape.
“The book provides a roadmap for transitioning to self-sufficiency in drug production, exploring both government initiatives and private sector contributions aimed at reducing reliance on foreign sources,” Baale stated.
Building a Sustainable Future
Adelusi-Adeluyi and Yakasai’s appeals reflect a broader consensus that industrialisation, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, is essential for Nigeria’s economic growth and health security. By empowering pharmacists, fostering innovation, and prioritizing local manufacturing, Nigeria can reduce its dependency on imports and establish a robust, self-reliant healthcare system.
The unveiling of this book serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, industry leaders, and professionals to unite in building a pharmaceutical industry that not only meets local demands but also positions Nigeria as a global competitor in drug production.
