Nigeria is making significant strides toward medicine
security, producing 50–60% of its basic drugs locally, according to
Oyawole, a representative of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN).
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief
on Thursday, Oyawole said the collaboration between pharmaceutical
manufacturers and the government is helping reduce dependence on imports, a
move that became critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when global
supply chains were disrupted.
“It got as bad as India banning the export of about 20
essential medicines, including paracetamol, because they had to prioritize
their own health security,” he recalled.
He highlighted that Nigerian pharmaceutical companies
are now WHO-qualified, enabling them to manufacture not only for local
demand but also for international markets, including Europe and the
United States. Locally produced medicines now include antimalarials,
multivitamins, pain relievers, and other essential drugs for common ailments.
However, Oyawole admitted that some medicines are
still imported, stressing the need for government policies that ensure
affordability and accessibility.
“There are some medications we still have to bring
into the country, and the government is putting up policies to make sure that
when they are in, the prices remain affordable,” he added.
His remarks coincided with Nigeria’s observance of World
Pharmacists Day, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacy.” Oyawole
described the day as a chance to showcase the strategic role pharmacists
play in strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring access to safe,
quality medicines for Nigerians.
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