NAIP To Host 28th Scientific Conference As Pharma Sector Eyes 70% Local Drug Production

The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) is set to host its 28th Annual Scientific Conference in Lagos next week, amid renewed industry ambition to scale up local production of essential drugs to 70 per cent.

NAIP national chairman, Pharm. Ken Onuegbu, at a media briefing in Lagos, said the association’s long-term vision was to position Nigeria as a pharmaceutical hub through sustained investment in infrastructure, talent development, and policy continuity.

“In five years, we expect a radical change. We may not hit 100 per cent local drug production, but we will no longer be stuck at 30 per cent. With ongoing support from the federal government and collaboration through platforms like the Federation of Nigeria Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (FeNPIA), we are on the right track,” he said.

He emphasised that achieving medicine security goes beyond scaling production volumes. “It is not only about output but also about scaling skills, digital transformation, and innovation. Without developing our knowledge base and key competencies, we will continue to rely on importation, which makes us vulnerable,” Onuegbu warned.

Themed ‘Scale, Innovation, and Transformation of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry’ (SIT28), the week-long conference will convene industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on practical strategies for boosting local drug manufacturing, expanding pharmaceutical capacity, and deepening technological adoption in the sector.

The SIT28 conference will officially begin on Monday, June 23, with the arrival of delegates and a welcome cocktail at Lagos Country Club. Key events include a free medical outreach for underserved communities in Ejibo, an industrial plant tour, technical plenary sessions, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which a new NAIP leadership will be elected. The conference will also honour outstanding professionals through a series of awards, including the ‘Icon of Pharmacy’ and ‘Eminent Pharmacist’ recognitions.

As NAIP concludes its current leadership cycle, Onuegbu credited the association’s peaceful internal governance and unity among member bodies as its achievements. “None of this would have been possible without peace. FeNPIA has also brought everyone under one umbrella, speaking with one voice and finding shared solutions to shared challenges,” he said.

The 28th scientific conference is expected to produce a refined roadmap for achieving medicine security, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and redefining the future of industrial pharmacy in the country.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Pharm. Jude Abonu, emphasised that SIT28 will go beyond rhetoric. “The primary session is themed Nigeria Pharma Without Borders: Driving Global Competitiveness. It’s about how Nigeria can scale beyond its local challenges and step into the global pharmaceutical space,” Abonu said.

He explained that the sessions are designed not only to highlight Nigeria’s pharmaceutical gaps but also to spark deliberate action. “So it’s not just about talking and speaking English, it’s about asking: What’s next? What tangible steps can we initiate now and carry into the future? Can we really achieve drug independence if we accelerate local manufacturing?” he added.

In a notable shift from tradition, the 2025 conference will introduce a full-scale Pharma Expo, designed to showcase innovations, products, and services from across the pharmaceutical and allied industries.

NAIP’s director of programs, Emeka Ndinedu, noted that this marks a significant evolution in the conference’s format. “This year, we’re bringing in not just pharmaceutical manufacturers but also players from supporting industries including packaging, logistics, tech, and others, who contribute to the pharma value chain. This gives attendees and buyers access to direct procurement opportunities at better prices,” Ndinedu explained.

According to him, the Expo will not only boost visibility for participating companies but also allow healthcare providers and consumers to connect with a broader range of products and services under one roof.