Health
Local Drug Manufacturers Want Lower Interest, Exchange Rates
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) has called on the government to bring down the interest and exchange rates.
The group attributed fluctuations in forex as a major reason for the exit of some pharmaceutical multinationals from Nigeria.
The group at a news conference in Lagos on the forthcoming 7th Edition of the Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo (NPME) from September 4 to 5, 2024, bemoaned the paucity of FX in the country, saying it had negatively affected the local pharmaceutical industry.
Recall that some multinational pharmaceutical companies, including GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Nigeria Limited, exited the country within the past year.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of NPME 2024, Mr Patrick Ajah, said that for the domestic pharmaceutical industry to progress, a stable exchange rate was essential.
Mr Ajah, a pharmacist and the Managing Director of May & Baker, said that many companies are also on standby for the implementation and take-off of the recently announced Executive Order.
On June 29, President Bola Tinubu signed an Executive Order removing tariffs and Value-Added Tax (VAT) on pharmaceutical imports.
The order introduces zero tariffs, excise duties, and VAT on specialised machinery, equipment and pharmaceutical raw materials to bolster local production of essential healthcare products.
The order has yet to take effect.
“Unless the value of Naira is fixed, achieving the country’s target of 70 per cent in local drug manufacturing will remain a mirage.
“The government will need to do certain things to achieve 70 per cent local drug production.
“The recent fluctuations in the value of the Naira have made it difficult for companies to plan and invest.
“This is one major reason why multinational companies are leaving. It’s not the fear of subsidy removal.
“If we didn’t tamper with the currency, all the multinational companies would be here and they would still be making more investment.
“[However], if somebody brought his money, when they were bringing the money, and all the money from outside by multinational companies will have to go through the banking system.
“I’m telling you because I was involved in it. And when it gets through the banking system, it will be at the official rate.
“So, you brought in money to come and build a facility at the exchange rate of N316, and now you’re going to be remitting the money at N1,500 and something, and you can’t even find the Dollar.
“Many companies will not be able to cope. So fixing our exchange rate is going to be the one single thing that will immediately reset where we are,” he said.
Mr Ajah also called for increased government support for the local pharmaceutical industry.
According to him, with the right support, Nigeria can produce 70 per cent of the medicines it consumes.
He cited India as an example, saying that the country supported its domestic pharmaceutical industry, and today, India is notable for drug manufacturing.
“The Indian government has provided financial and technical assistance to local manufacturers, and has even intervened to secure technology from other countries,” he said.
Mr Ajah asserted that Nigeria had the capacity for local production of diverse drugs but that many companies lacked the financial resources to invest in new facilities or upgrade existing ones.
According to him, the recent devaluation of the Naira worsened the challenge.
He called for a reduction in interest rates, saying that the current rates, which are as high as 30 per cent, present a major barrier to investment in the industry.
On his part, Mr Frank Muonemeh, the Executive Secretary of PMG-MAN, asserted that local pharma manufacturers were currently producing 40 per cent of the medicines used in the country.
He, however, urged for partnerships between governments and local companies, similar to what was being given to other industries such as the cement manufacturing and petroleum industries.
Mr Muonemeh stressed that a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry would strengthen national security.
The 2024 Edition of NPME, the PMG-MAN is themed 40 Years of Advocacy: Fostering Partnership and Innovation to Unlock the Pharma Manufacturing Value Chain in Nigeria, Central & West Africa.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the recall of a sexual enhancement product known as WAP Sensual Enhancement Capsules.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian agency disclosed that the recall is due to “undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients” in the product, whose country of origin is unknown, but is marketed and distributed online in the US through eBay.
It was emphasised that the recall is being “voluntarily” made by the manufacturer, Best Supplements Best Prices Company.
The detection of the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients was made by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Laboratory analysis by the US FDA revealed that the product contained undeclared sildenafil, tadalafil, and flibanserin, which were not mentioned on the product label. Such substances may include phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors or related compounds commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the statement by NAFDAC stated.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are ingredients in FDA-approved prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
It was noted that these undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
Flibanserin is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved prescription drug used to treat low sexual desire in women. Flibanserin can cause drowsiness, sedation, dangerously low blood pressure, and fainting, especially when combined with alcohol.
Consumers have been encouraged to report compromised products (medicines or medical devices) to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf******@********ov.ng.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Dr Obi Adigwe has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO).
The body was created by the Ministry of Health under the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
NHTDAO will be domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, stated.
The agency will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital-health agenda. It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies, it was emphasised.
The organisation will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025.
It was stated that President Tinubu expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens.
Mr Adigwe, as Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, has leveraged science to catalyse interventions in artificial intelligence, translational research, and technology transfer.
He coordinated major projects, including the ¥300m Nanotechnology grant and the AFREXIMBank grant for Africa’s first API Training Facility. He led the roadmap development that underpinned an €18 million EU grant, the largest in Africa for the thematic area. During the last pandemic, Adigwe globally showcased African science by undertaking the world’s first analysis to debunk claims about the Covid Organics preparation.
The Office’s Steering Committee, which provides strategic direction and oversight, comprises:
- Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (Co-chair)
- Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Co-chair)
- Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare (Alternate Co-chair)
- Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- Mr Idris Alubankudi Saliu, Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy
- Dr Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, National Coordinator, SWAp Coordination Office
- Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chain
- Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency
- Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director General, National Health Insurance Authority
- Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
- National Information Technology Development Agency Representative
- Six representatives of the State Commissioners of Health, one from each of the six geopolitical zones
- Pharm Hamza Buhari, Stakeholder representing Industry and Community.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government has kicked off an initiative to ensure that every newborn is screened for Sickle Cell Disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test.
It was gathered that babies identified as being at risk will immediately be placed on preventive care while awaiting confirmatory testing.
The Head of the Haematology Department at the Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Olubukola Orolu, revealed that an estimated 150,000 babies are born annually with Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria, giving the country one of the highest SCD burdens globally.
She, however, applauded the Lagos State Government and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for introducing the state-wide newborn screening programme, describing it as a major step towards reducing childhood deaths associated with the disease.
The commencement of this scheme coincides with the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day, themed Young Voices Rising for Sickle Cell Disease – Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease.
It highlights the importance of listening to the experiences and aspirations of young people living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Mrs Orolu noted that SCD warriors are increasingly breaking barriers as advocates, leaders, students and change-makers, adding that their voices have continued to reshape the narrative through advocacy for equitable, patient-centred healthcare, self-care and experience sharing.
She, therefore, called for equal access to quality healthcare, survival opportunities and dignity for everyone living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Also commenting, the chief executive of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Akinyele Akinlade, described Sickle Cell Disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that individuals living with the condition are more susceptible to infections.
He advised SCD warriors to stay well hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme cold or heat, as these are common triggers of sickle cell crises, adding that these preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of crises.
One of the participants, Ms Borokini Zainab, an SCD warrior and student nurse, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the enlightenment programme.
Sharing her personal journey, she spoke about the challenges of balancing recurrent pain crises with her academic pursuits and personal life. Despite moments of frustration, she encouraged fellow warriors not to lose hope.
“Don’t let sickle cell put you down. Be encouraged from within. Don’t let your dreams be shattered because of this,” she said, adding that her personal experience with Sickle Cell Disease inspired her to pursue a career in nursing so she could support others living with the condition.
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