NAFDAC Trains Stakeholders on Local Production of Pharmaceutical Ingredients
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has conducted a comprehensive training program for stakeholders on the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in Nigeria. The two-day workshop, held in Ikeja, aimed to equip regulators, manufacturers, and future workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to explore this critical area in the healthcare system.
APIs are essential components of pharmaceutical products responsible for their intended therapeutic effect. The training, titled “Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain: Second Regional Workshop on Manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Excipients in Nigeria,” was attended by stakeholders from the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, and international organizations.
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NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the importance of building capacity and strengthening regulators and local manufacturers to improve access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines. She noted that the recent executive order reducing customs duties and fees for importing manufacturing goods is a significant step forward but also acknowledged the need for mental and intellectual preparation before commencing manufacturing.
The workshop featured presentations from representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and the Gates Foundation, highlighting the importance of collaboration and setting standards for medical products and active ingredients. The participants discussed developing guidelines and training relevant stakeholders to ensure the production of high-quality APIs locally.
Currently, Nigeria relies heavily on imported APIs, with over 90% sourced from abroad. The workshop aimed to encourage local production and reduce dependence on imports. WHO representative Dr. Walter Mulombo emphasized that local manufacturing does not equate to low quality and that the WHO works closely with the Nigerian government to support policy and regulation development.
The training program is part of NAFDAC’s commitment to building quality from the beginning, and the agency is dedicated to ensuring long-term sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry. With the support of international partners, NAFDAC is working towards enabling Nigeria to produce high-quality APIs locally, improving access to effective and affordable medicines for the population.
