The opening ceremony of The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) 28th Annual National Conference, held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, showcased an array of distinguished leaders and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. This year's conference was themed "Scale, Innovation, and Transformation of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry" (SIT 2025) and aimed to address critical advancements and challenges within the sector.
The conference which took place at The Citadel in Ikeja, Lagos, gathered top industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners, all committed to discussing strategies for scaling operations, fostering innovation, and transforming the landscape of Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, MD/CEO of Juhel Nigeria Ltd, represented by Pharm. (Sir) Ike Onyechi, MD of Alpha Pharmacy & Stores Ltd; Pharm. Moses Oluwalade, MD/CEO of Miraflash Pharma Nigeria Ltd; Dr. Okey S. Akpa, President of FeNPIA; Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa, Past President of PSN; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, Past President of PSN; Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, DG. NAFDAC represented by Pharm. Kayode Amuda, Director DER; Pharm. (Prof.) Lere Baale, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Pharm. (Dr.) Obalolu Ojo, MD/CEO of Merit Healthcare LTD; Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, National Chairman of ACPN; Pharm. Uchenna U. Apakama, National Chairman of BOF-PSN; Dr. Maureen Nwafor, National Chairman of the Clinical Pharmacist Association of Nigeria; Pharm. Scholastica Lan, National Chairman of the Association of Lady Pharmacists, and keynote speaker Dr. Margaret Ilomuanya from the Department of Pharmaceutics at the University of Lagos.
In his welcome remarks, CPC Chair Pharm. Jude Abonu stated, "I welcome you to the 28th Annual Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP). Today, we gather not just as professionals, but as visionaries committed to shaping the future of Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry. Our theme this year reflects the urgent need to elevate our industry, expand our manufacturing capacity, and establish Nigeria as a formidable player on the global stage."
He emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in producing high-quality medicines while capturing opportunities in international markets. Abonu encouraged participants to actively engage and contribute fresh ideas, stating, "Together, let us transform insights into clear objectives, practical strategies, and measurable actions. S.I.T. 2025 is a defining moment for Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry."
Pharm. Kenneth Onuegbu, the outgoing NAIP National Chairman, echoed similar sentiments in his welcome address, reflecting on the progress made during his tenure. "When we embarked on this journey in 2021, our message was clear: unlocking the healthcare value chain through local production and reducing overdependence on imported essential medicines is the sustainable path to achieving medicine security in Nigeria," he asserted. "Today, we have come a long way; from 120 pharmaceutical manufacturers in 2021 to over 170 facilities today, showing promising trends that mark a shift in the right direction."
In his remarks, Pharm. (Sir) Ike Onyechi, representing Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, inspired attendees by emphasizing the importance of execution: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. We have been sitting in one place not doing much; a big plan or dream, if not executed, is a waste. I am urging us as stakeholders, captains, and manufacturers to welcome and try to do more. We must not remain comfortable bringing all items from other countries."
Pharm. Tanko Ayuba Ibrahim, the President of PSN, commended NAIP's growth and urged industrial pharmacists to elect a leader who will continue the progress made during Onuegbu's tenure: "I can proudly say NAIP is my child in whom I am well pleased. I urge you to choose wisely, as we seek continuous progress."
Keynote speaker Dr. Margaret Ilomuanya highlighted the importance of addressing the manufacturing needs of the population. She stated, "When we talk about manufacturing, we must consider serving the needs of our population. Current manufacturing capacity utilization remains below 18.5%, and while we have many pharmaceutical companies, we must ensure they contribute to local production."
She emphasized the necessity of building strong partnerships that incorporate local workforce training, stating, "Any partnership that comes from outside that doesn't include our workforce is a plan destined to fail." Dr. Ilomuanya called for collaboration across sectors, advocating for the integration of local research capabilities with manufacturing practices to ensure products align with the specific needs of the Nigerian market. Investing in our local workforce will create opportunities for practical experience in production processes, ultimately leading to greater innovation and competitiveness on a global scale, she affirmed.
The conference featured an educating and enriching panel discussion themed "Nigerian Pharma Without Borders: Driving Global Collaboration and Competitiveness," led by Pharm. Ayodeji Alaran, CEO of PBR Life Sciences. This discussion focused on the importance of collaboration and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.
In addition to the conference sessions, NAIP organized a medical outreach on Tuesday, June 24, where the public received health checkups and medications as part of an awareness campaign. There were also industrial visits to Jawa International Ltd, followed by evening team-building activities featuring indoor games like scrabble and chess.
The collaborative efforts and determined actions of the participants have set a promising course for the future of Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry, ensuring a path towards innovation, transformation, and self-sufficiency as the conference continues to unfold.
