By Doris Obinna
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has called for the immediate alignment of the pharmaceutical sector with government programmes.
Speaking at a meeting with pharmaceutical and healthcare stakeholders organised by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Salako reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to support the growth of the pharmaceutical sector by creating a more enabling environment.
In his address in Lagos over the weekend, the Minister emphasised the need for the country to focus on addressing policy and intervention challenges within the pharmaceutical and related sectors. He urged action to enhance collaboration and improve the effectiveness of health policies in Nigeria.
Salako reassured pharmaceutical manufacturers of the federal government’s recognition of their vital role in improving lives through the medicines and therapies produced. He also highlighted the government’s strategies to leverage the emerging industrial base to drive economic growth, advance research and development, and create high-value jobs.
The Minister noted significant reforms in the pharmaceutical sector initiated by the Tinubu administration, including the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the Executive Order concerning specific pharmaceutical sector inputs, which aim to revitalise Nigeria’s health sector.
He commended Dr Obi Peter Adigwe and the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Research and Development Institute for adopting an all-of-government approach to catalyse the industry and engage all critical stakeholders in the rapid achievement of Nigeria’s medicine security.
Notably, the leadership of customs, finance, industry, and other key government organs in attendance pledged to align and fast-track policies to support the growth of a world-class pharmaceutical sector.
The conference, themed “Building a World-Class Pharma Sector: Activating Government Initiatives to Address Challenges, Catalyse Growth & Maximise IMPACT,” attracted nearly 100 senior stakeholders from the pharmaceutical and health sectors. They gathered to discuss strategies for harnessing the vast potential of the pharmaceutical industry to shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria, across Africa, and globally.
Representing the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, CK Niagwan, pledged the Service’s commitment to expediting reforms for medicine security, economic growth, and national wellbeing.
Other speakers included: the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof Akin Abayomi; the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), Mr Oluwatosin Jolayemi; the Chairman of the West African Post-Graduate College of Pharmacy, Dr Margaret Obono; the President of the Federation of Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (FENPIA), Dr Okey Akpa; and the Executive Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr Uzoma Ezeoke.
Salako reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive approach that brings all stakeholders to the table, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry players, research institutions, healthcare providers, and the public.
He assured pharmaceutical manufacturers and stakeholders that the government will continue to prioritise efforts to improve local capacity in medicine production and reduce reliance on the importation of pharmaceutical products.
