AMA Pharmaceuticals, a Kaduna-based indigenous firm, has unveiled its second pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Kaduna, signaling a strategic move to meet healthcare demands beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The World Trade Organization (WTO), says it is a significant stride towards bolstering Africa’s pharmaceutical sector.
Director-General, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the medical manufacturing plant in Kaduna.
Reports has it that AMA Medical, an indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Nigeria, operates in phases.
Its initial phase is the establishment of state-of-the-art production plant, utilising European technology, particularly Automatic Form Fill Seal Technology (AFFS).
The technology, featuring advanced machinery, produces high-quality intravenous solutions (IV fluids) at affordable costs, significantly reducing pediatric wastage
It does this by introducing 250ml formats for Normal Saline, 4.3 per cent Dextrose Saline, and 5 per cent Dextrose, first in West Africa.
With a current capacity of 10 million pouches annually and plans for expansion, AMA aims to swiftly penetrate the West African Market and leverage the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.
Okonjo-Iweala said the expansion aligned with the Nigerian government’s initiative to enhance local pharmaceutical production and equipment manufacturing.
She commended AMA’s expansion, hailing it as a significant step towards bolstering economic growth, healthcare self-sufficiency, and regional cooperation in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.
She underscored the project’s role in reducing import dependency, strengthening the local healthcare value chain, and fostering economic growth as per President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda.
The DG highlighted the project’s broader significance, emphasising its potential to improve healthcare access across Africa.
“The reason we are excited in this project is not only about producing for Nigeria, but also producing for Africans.
Vice President Kashim Shetima said in the light of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a growing recognition of the importance of prioritising national health security.
Shetima, who was represented by Dr Uju Rochas-Anwukah, his Adviser on Public Health, said the establishment of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility with European technology underscored the need for a robust health infrastructure that could respond effectively to health emergencies and ensure the country’s healthcare resilience.
Furthermore, he said the expansion of AMA’s pharmaceutical facility was expected to create job opportunities and empower the youth in Nigeria.
“Investing in the manufacturing sector will engage the talents and skills of the country’s citizens, contributing to economic growth and national development.(NAN)
“The move towards technological advancements and innovation, particularly in stem cell production and In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs), vaccines, and biologicals, demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a hub for cutting-edge healthcare technologies in Africa.
“The establishment of a manufacturing plant of this scale not only benefits Nigeria but also offers salvation to other African nations.
This is particularly in West Africa, by easing their access to the Nigerian market and fostering regional collaboration and partnerships.
Earlier, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, said the construction of the second phase of the plant was set to boost the Federal Government’s drive in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and equipment locally.
Also, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate,
the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the government of President Tinubu had recently launched a new initiative called “Unlocking the value chain” in an effort to address health emergencies.
Pate said the initiative aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health sector by streamlining processes and improving coordination between different
The initiative will focus on improving access to healthcare services, strengthening the healthcare system, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers.
“By identifying and addressing bottlenecks in the value chain, the government hopes to improve the overall quality of healthcare in the state and ensure that Nigerians received the care needed in a timely manner,” he said.
Mr Musa Bello, Chairman of AMA Investment Holdings, outlined phase two’s objectives, which included establishing solid formulations for oral dosages and venturing into stem cell and blood product manufacturing.
He said the groundbreaking ceremony for phase 2 was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the country’s healthcare value chain.
He highlighted AMA’s expansion as a strategic move towards achieving economic self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals and bio-industry, reducing import dependency, strengthening the local healthcare value chain, and promoting economic growth.
He underlined the country’s dedication to addressing health emergencies and enhancing health infrastructure.
Moreover, Bello underscored job creation and youth empowerment through investments in the manufacturing sector, showcasing advancements in technology and innovation.
He highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional and continental trade, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Dignitaries at the event included the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and other government officials.
AMA Medical Manufacturing Limited, founded in 2019, is based in Kaduna Industrial Layout.
Since its inception, the company has been at the forefront of advancing medical manufacturing, with a vision to address critical healthcare needs.(NAN)
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