Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a leading indigenous pan-African manufacturer and distributor of medicines and surgical equipment, has announced plans to begin local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) before the end of the year. This initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to address rising drug costs and improve the healthcare system.
Speaking at the Nigeria-EU Business Forum (NEUBF) organized by EUinNigeria under the EU Global Gateway, Emzor’s Director of Strategy, Funke Asiru, highlighted the significance of this development. The facility, funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), is expected to produce APIs for various medicines, including those used to treat malaria and cancer.
Ms. Asiru noted that the project, valued at $23 million and located in Sagamu, Ogun State, aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines and enhance access to quality healthcare for millions of Nigerians. She explained that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for local API production, as global supply chain disruptions made it challenging to import essential components from countries like India and China.
President Bola Tinubu recently signed an executive order to support local healthcare production and reduce costs. This order introduces zero tariffs, excise duties, and VAT on specified machinery, equipment, and raw materials, a move that Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate described as crucial for unlocking the healthcare value chain.
Emzor’s API facility is seen as a major step forward in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with the potential to significantly improve the availability and affordability of essential medicines.