His Royal Highness, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, PhD (London), the Emir of Kano, will deliver the keynote address at the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) 2026 Economic Outlook and CEOs Forum, a move that underscores the forum’s growing national and policy relevance.

Sanusi II will deliver the keynote address on the theme, “Reimagining Nigeria’s Health Security: Local Production, Economic Sovereignty & Strategic Partnership,” bringing his deep expertise in economics, governance and national development to the forefront of discussions at the forum.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential economic thinkers and public intellectuals, the Emir of Kano was selected for his deep expertise in economics, finance, governance and development policy, as well as his long-standing engagement with issues affecting industrial growth, private sector productivity and national economic reform.

Before ascending the throne, Mallam Sanusi II built a distinguished career in finance and public service, most notably serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he played a pivotal role in banking sector reforms, financial stability and macroeconomic policy debates. His experience at the apex bank, combined with his global exposure and academic grounding, has continued to shape national and international conversations on economic sustainability and inclusive growth.

Speaking on the significance of the choice, NAIP leaders noted that the Emir’s long-standing advocacy for economic reform, institutional accountability and sustainable development aligns with the forum’s objective of strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem and reducing dependence on imports.

The NAIP 2026 Economic Outlook and CEOs Forum, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, will convene chief executives of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, policymakers, regulators, academics, investors, economists and industry stakeholders for evidence-based dialogue on the future of the sector.

The annual forum serves as a platform for reviewing Nigeria’s economic performance, offering forward-looking forecasts and identifying strategies to enhance the pharmaceutical industry’s growth, resilience and contribution to national health outcomes.

With his keynote, Sanusi II is expected to challenge industry leaders and policymakers to rethink national priorities, strengthen strategic partnerships and accelerate local pharmaceutical production as a pathway to economic sovereignty and a more secure health value chain for Nigeria.

The forum is expected to attract top executives, policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders, providing a critical platform for charting a sustainable economic pathway for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and industrial sectors in 2026 and beyond.