The General Manager of Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited, Mr Gaby Al-Aridi, has commended the Federal Government for its proactive policies aimed at boosting local pharmaceutical production, while urging stricter enforcement of the existing ban on imported syringes and medical devices already produced domestically.
Al-Aridi made the remarks during the second plenary session of the 98th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), held at Bayero University, Kano, themed “Achieving Medicine Security in Nigeria: The Success Factors and the Role of the Pharmacist.”
He praised the government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s medicine security agenda through policies such as the executive order prioritising made-in-Nigeria products, describing the initiatives as critical to safeguarding investments, creating jobs, and ensuring national self-sufficiency in essential medical supplies.
“We deeply appreciate the government’s ongoing support for local manufacturers through policies such as the executive order, which prioritise Nigerian-made goods,” Al-Aridi said. “However, for these policies to fully succeed, there must be strict enforcement of the ban on imported syringes and other locally produced medical devices. This will ensure fair competition and enable domestic manufacturers to operate at full capacity.”
He highlighted Afrimedical’s role as one of West Africa’s largest syringe and medical consumable producers, noting the company’s significant investment in modern facilities, high-precision equipment, and workforce training. “Nigeria already has the human capacity, technology, and infrastructure to produce quality syringes locally. With consistent policy enforcement, the nation can fully rely on its manufacturers to meet national demand,” he added.
Al-Aridi further called on regulatory agencies, including NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Nigeria Customs Service, to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and close loopholes that allow restricted products into the market, reinforcing the government’s drive toward medicine security.
During the session, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, represented by Mr Amuda Kayode, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting local manufacturing, advancing medicine security, and supporting regulatory reforms that align with national health priorities.
Other panelists, including Pharm. Valentine Okelu of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc, Pharm. Uzoma Ezeoke of Emzor Pharma Industries Ltd, and Pharm. Bankole Ezebuilo, national chairman of NAIP, highlighted the importance of financing, capacity development, and inter-industry collaboration as critical enablers for a self-reliant pharmaceutical sector.
The session, chaired by Pharm. Anthony Akhimien, concluded with a consensus that effective enforcement of existing policies, coupled with strong collaboration between regulators and manufacturers, is key to achieving full local production and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare supply chain.
