For over 25 years, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has served as the backbone of the nation’s pharmaceutical sector. Its annual CEO Forum has evolved into the premier gathering where science meets strategy, and where the leaders of Nigeria's drug manufacturing industry set the agenda for the year ahead.
If you are a pharmaceutical executive, a healthcare investor, or a policy shaper, here are ten reasons why the 2026 NAIP Economic Outlook & CEO’s Forum is the most critical date on your professional calendar.
1. Since its inception, NAIP has been more than just a professional body; it is the vanguard of Nigeria’s medicine security. Comprising all registered and licensed pharmacists in the industrial sector, NAIP supports over 150 partner companies. This forum is the only invitation-only event in the country that specifically gathers pharma—CEOs, Managing Directors, and Owners—to deliberate on the survival and growth of local manufacturing.
2. This year’s forum addresses a theme that is a matter of national security signalling a sense of urgency: “Reimagining Nigeria’s Health Security: Local Production, Economic Sovereignty & Strategic Partnership.” As global supply chains remain volatile, this summit will chart the path toward reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported essential medicines.
3. In a rare convergence of traditional authority and economic brilliance, the forum will feature His Royal Highness, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON (Emir of Kano), as the Keynote Speaker. His insights into Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms are expected to provide global insight for CEOs navigating high interest rates and currency fluctuations.
4. The event’s prestige is further underscored by its chairmen. His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Obi of Onitsha), will chair the morning Forum, bringing decades of corporate governance experience. In the evening, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will chair the Closing Dinner, focusing on innovation and the role of the next generation of pharma leaders
5. The forum serves as a symbol of professional solidarity. The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, will serve as the Chief Host, ensuring that the entire value chain—from retail to research—is aligned with the industrial sector's goals.
6. The morning session is a deliberately designed platform for strategic reflection. Led by National Chairman Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, CEOs will engage in evidence-based dialogue. This is where the industry conducts a "Post-Mortem" of past economic performance and prepares a "Actionable Plan" for the 2026 fiscal year.
7. Nigeria aims to become the "Pharmacy of Africa." A key highlight this year will be discussing how local manufacturers can leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to export high-quality, Nigerian-made drugs to a market.
9. The NAIP CEO Forum is not just a talk shop—it is a policy engine. The actionable outcomes generated here are frequently used to engage with NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to advocate for tax incentives, infrastructure support, and the streamlining of manufacturing licenses.
10. The day transitions from the boardroom to the ballroom with a prestigious Black-Tie Closing Dinner at 6:00 PM. This exclusive gathering provides a unique opportunity to forge high-value partnerships, initiate deals, and celebrate the milestones of the industry in a setting of unparalleled elegance.
Finally, if you are an investor looking for the next frontier in healthcare or a leader looking to protect your business from economic headwinds, the 2026 NAIP Forum is where knowledge meets influence. It is where the future of Nigeria’s health security is shaped by those with the power to produce change.
