Mirian Gom 
ILORIN, Nigeria – Nigeria faces calls to reduce medicine imports and strengthen local production to secure health sovereignty and economic resilience.
Speaking on Wednesday at a conference in Ilorin, president, Nigeria Association of Industrial Pharmacist, Bankole Ezebuilo says over 70% of medicines are imported, exposing the country to global shocks.
“No nation can outsource its health security,” he warns.
Ezebuilo urges government support, industry investment, and academic alignment to build sustainable capacity. Nigeria Urged to Cut Drug Imports, Boost Local Pharmaceutical Industry
“A nation that cannot produce its medicines is negotiating with its health,” he says.
Experts highlight risks from currency volatility and supply disruptions, while promoting local manufacturing as a pathway to jobs and economic growth.
Henrietta Ukwu stresses capacity building and infrastructure improvements, including stable power and water supply.
“We have the expertise but are not fully harnessing our resources,” she says.
Stakeholders agree that strengthening local pharmaceutical production is critical to national health security and Africa-wide leadership.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
