Nigeria Poised for Pharmaceutical Self-Sufficiency, Says Pharm Ahmed I Yakasai, mni, FPSN, FNAPharm, FPCPharm, FNIM, Chairman, Pharma West Africa Conference

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector is on the verge of a major transformation towards self-sufficiency and regional leadership, as stakeholders intensify efforts to strengthen local production, supply chain resilience, and regulatory collaboration across West Africa.

This was the central message delivered by Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, Chairman of the Pharma West Africa Conference, during a special pre-event session held in preparation for the 2025 edition of the Pharma West Africa Exhibition and Conference, scheduled to take place in Lagos from 14 to 16 April 2026.

The virtual event, themed “Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Strengthening for Self-Sufficiency in West Africa,” was organised by BtoB Events and attracted over 150 participants from within and outside the continent, including regulators, manufacturers, investors, and healthcare professionals.

In his opening remarks, Mr Jamie Hill, Chief Executive Officer of BtoB Events, commended the growing interest in Pharma West Africa, describing the platform as more than an exhibition.

“It’s a movement for healthcare advancement and economic empowerment,” he said. “When we strengthen our supply chain and promote local production, we create jobs, reduce costs, and improve access to essential medicines.”

Delivering his keynote, Pharm. Yakasai described Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape as “rapidly evolving and full of promise,” driven by policy reforms, private investments, and increasing government support. Although Nigeria still imports more than 60 percent of its medicines and nearly all active pharmaceutical ingredients, he said the trend is gradually shifting towards local production.

He noted that Nigeria already accounts for about 70 percent of pharmaceutical manufacturing in West Africa, with between 180 and 200 active local manufacturing plants. He highlighted the Federal Government’s 5+5 Regulation, which requires importers to establish local manufacturing within ten years of product registration, as a key driver of technology transfer and industrial growth.

Yakasai commended NAFDAC for its regulatory progress, noting that Nigeria currently ranks at WHO Global Benchmarking Level 3 and is advancing towards Level 4, a milestone that will enable local manufacturers to compete globally. He also called for stronger collaboration through the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and the West African Health Organization (WAHO) to harmonise regulatory standards across the subregion.

While acknowledging persistent challenges such as high production costs, dependence on imported inputs, and inadequate infrastructure, Yakasai stressed that self-sufficiency could be achieved through sustained innovation, investment, and political will.

“With the right mix of government support and collaboration, Nigeria can not only meet its own healthcare needs but also become the pharmaceutical hub of West Africa,” he said.

He further highlighted the growing role of digital tools, including e-pharmacy platforms, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence, in reshaping pharmaceutical practice and improving efficiency across the supply chain.

In his closing remarks, Yakasai reiterated that the ultimate goal of Pharma West Africa is to expand access to safe, affordable, and effective medicines across the continent.

“Pharma West Africa is not just an event,” he declared. “It is a platform that connects industry, government, and healthcare providers to build a stronger, self-sufficient, and patient-focused healthcare ecosystem.”

Adding her voice to the discussion, Pharm. (Mrs) Abimbola Adebakin, Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Health Africa and moderator of the session, emphasised the need for innovation and collaboration in achieving self-sufficiency. She noted that the future of healthcare delivery in West Africa would depend on effective supply chain systems, digital transformation, and youth-driven innovation.

“Our greatest opportunity lies in leveraging technology and partnerships to close the healthcare access gap,” she said.

Expressing appreciation at the close of the session, Mr Hill reaffirmed BtoB Events’ commitment to supporting Africa’s pharmaceutical transformation through platforms that unite innovation, policy, and investment.

“This is not just an event,” he said. “It’s a movement for a healthier West Africa.”