Domestic manufacturing surges to half of national demand, reducing reliance on foreign pharmaceuticals

Nigeria's push to reduce its reliance on imported medicines has gained significant momentum, with stakeholders attributing the surge in local pharmaceutical production to sweeping regulatory reforms, which has now reached an estimated 50 per cent.

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This development was highlighted at the commissioning of a new manufacturing facility by Sam Pharmaceutical Ltd in Lagos, where industry leaders and regulators praised the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, for driving policies that are transforming the sector.

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The new plant is seen as a symbol of the country's growing shift toward self-sufficiency in drug production, with speakers describing it as more than just an addition to Nigeria's industrial base.

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According to stakeholders, the reforms have yielded tangible results, with one speaker noting that "what we are seeing today is the direct result of deliberate and strategic reforms" that are gradually weaning Nigeria off its heavy dependence on imported medicines.

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NAFDAC's Five Plus Five-Year Validity policy, introduced under Adeyeye's leadership, has been central to this transformation, compelling foreign pharmaceutical firms to establish local manufacturing capacity or partner with Nigerian companies.

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Under this policy, companies are granted an initial five-year product registration licence, but must submit verifiable blueprints for local production by the fourth year, with renewal for another five years contingent on progress.

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Stakeholders credited the policy with triggering a wave of investments and partnerships, accelerating technology transfer and boosting domestic capacity, with one industry player noting that "the 5+5 policy is a turning point" that is forcing a transition from importation to production.

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The policy has helped increase local manufacturing output from about 30 per cent to 50 per cent in recent years, improving access to essential medicines and strengthening supply chain resilience, according to stakeholders.

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NAFDAC's recent attainment of Maturity Level 3 (ML3) under the World Health Organisation's Global Benchmarking Programme was also highlighted, signifying a stable and well-functioning regulatory system aligned with international standards.

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This milestone enhances Nigeria's credibility, boosts investor confidence, and opens opportunities for vaccine manufacturing and global market participation, with stakeholders noting that "the ML3 rating sends a strong signal that Nigeria is ready to play at the global level".

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Adeyeye was widely praised for institutionalising a culture of self-audit and continuous improvement within NAFDAC, which was critical to achieving the global benchmark, with stakeholders applauding her leadership and commitment to ensuring quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Nigeria.

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The commissioning of the Sam Pharmaceutical facility is part of a broader trend of emerging local manufacturing outfits, driven by policy clarity and regulatory support, with stakeholders noting that "with more companies investing in local production, Nigeria is on the path to making essential medicines more affordable and accessible to its population".

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The combined impact of policy reforms, regulatory strengthening, and private sector participation is steadily repositioning Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry, reducing import dependence and laying the groundwork for long-term health security, according to stakeholders.