CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, PMG-MAN, has called on the Federal Government to create a more competitive and investment-friendly environment for drug production in Nigeria.
The group said this can be achieved through policies that support a sustainable pharma and life sciences manufacturing ecosystem, reduce production costs, and drive long-term investment in local medicine manufacturing.
PMG-MAN made the call during a media briefing in Lagos ahead of the 8th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers’ Expo, NPME 2026, scheduled for September 28 and 29 at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the PMG-MAN Chairman and Managing Director of Daily-Need Industries Limited, Mr. Oluwatosin Jolayemi, the Chairman of the Exhibition Planning Committee and MD of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Dr. Patrick Ajah, said the industry is targeting 70 percent local drug production.
Ajah noted that the sector has expanded significantly since 1983, growing from 20 pioneer companies to over 200 manufacturers today. He added that the industry remains committed to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines.
According to him, the expo themed “Regional Manufacturing: Advancing Africa’s Pharma and Life Science Sovereignty through Localisation” will bring together manufacturers, policymakers, investors, and technology providers to discuss ways to strengthen local pharmaceutical production.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary and CEO of PMG-MAN, Pharm. Frank Muonemeh, said the industry has recorded progress in recent years. Citing NAFDAC data, he stated that importation of finished pharmaceutical products dropped from 4.03 billion units to 1.13 billion units as of 2025.
However, Muonemeh identified high energy costs and delays in clearing pharmaceutical raw materials as major challenges facing local manufacturers. He said Nigerian companies currently spend more than 40 percent of revenue on electricity and alternative power, compared to less than 10 percent in countries like China and India.
To address this, he urged the government to introduce dedicated industrial energy tariffs and strengthen policies that support local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and other inputs.
PMG-MAN also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the Presidential Executive Order for the pharmaceutical sector from two years to five years. The group argued that longer policy stability will boost investor confidence and consolidate gains in local manufacturing.
The upcoming expo is expected to focus on technology transfer, regulatory harmonisation, market access, contract manufacturing, joint ventures, and regional trade integration. Organizers expect over 200 exhibitors and nearly 10,000 industry professionals to attend.
PMG-MAN said the event will provide a platform to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and advance medicine security across Africa.