The Nigerian Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP) is set to elevate capacity development in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector as it prepares to host its 29th Annual National Conference and Training—an industry-defining platform focused on equipping industrial pharmacists with practical expertise for local drug manufacturing and innovation.

Scheduled to commence on May 3, 2026, at De Peace Hotels and Suites in Ilorin, the conference is strategically designed to address Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines through intensive technical training and strengthened cross-sector collaboration across the pharmaceutical value chain.

Organised under the leadership of NAIP National Chairman, Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, and Chief Host, Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the event comes at a pivotal moment as stakeholders intensify efforts to position Nigeria as a competitive hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

With the theme “Harmony Reloaded 2026: Collaboration & Innovation to Build Local Solutions for the Future of Nigerian Pharma Industry,” the conference is deliberately structured to move beyond policy dialogue, placing strong emphasis on hands-on training, technical knowledge transfer, and real-world application.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ezebuilo emphasized that the conference is purpose-built as a training-driven platform aimed at equipping participants with practical, implementation-focused skills. He noted that attendees will gain exposure to emerging technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, positioning them to compete effectively in an increasingly dynamic global pharmaceutical landscape.

He added that the initiative seeks to strengthen professional competence, modernize pharmaceutical education, and stimulate industrial research. According to him, enhancing local manufacturing capacity will not only drive economic growth but also significantly reduce the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria.

The conference will feature a distinguished faculty of global and local experts spanning academia, regulation, and industry. Delivering the keynote address is Henrietta Ukwu, Executive Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer at Novavax Inc., who is expected to provide strategic insights into global regulatory standards and their practical application within the Nigerian context.

The event will also host distinguished personalities, including Osita Chidoka, alongside Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed and other key stakeholders across the health and regulatory ecosystem.

Other notable contributors include Nonyel Onyekwuluje, as well as Kelechi Ohiri of the National Health Insurance Authority.

Daily sessions will be anchored by respected industry leaders, including past presidents of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria such as Mohammed Yaro Budah, Azubike Okwor, Olumide Akintayo, Ahmed I Yakasai, and Sam Ohuabunwa, ensuring robust mentorship and sustained knowledge exchange throughout the programme.

A key highlight of the conference will be its intensive technical workshops, facilitated by an elite faculty including Lere Baale, Louis W Yu, Olusola Solarin, Lolu Ojo, Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, Amina Omar, and Val Ezeiru. These sessions will focus on critical areas such as regulatory compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and supply chain optimization—reinforcing NAIP’s commitment to building a resilient, innovation-driven pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.