Nigeria is on the brink of a scientific renaissance, poised to become a biotech leader in Africa and beyond. Leveraging a strong academic foundation, a rich talent pool, and increasing global demand for diverse clinical trials, the country’s biotech sector is ready for a breakthrough. In this interesting interview with Pharm.(Dr) Precious Azino Usuemerai, an accomplished pharmacist-entrepreneur, whose career spans significant achievements and industry leadership, he highlights his comprehensive blueprint for Nigeria’s biotech revolution. Excerpts below:
You had a remarkable journey in the pharmaceutical field. Could you share with us how your PharmD programme the University of Benin and your work in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector shaped your biotech vision?
The PharmD programme at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was transformative, demanding with extraordinary clinical depth and problem-solving skills. After graduating, I spent six years in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, including launching a COVID-19 drug distribution startup that benefited over 10,000 patients. These experiences highlighted significant infrastructural gaps and regulatory challenges. Seeking sustainable solutions, I pursued an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, studying Biotech PIPE deals and observing how U.S. ecosystems fuel innovation. My 2023 summer internship in a San Francisco-based Biotech company further illustrated how academia, industry, and regulators can collaborate to expedite life-saving therapies. Combined with mentorship from industry veterans, I realised Nigeria has the potential for a biotech renaissance, but it requires bold policy reforms, investment, and unity across stakeholders.
The U.S. is advancing with the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biosecure Act, and diverse clinical trials. How do these shape the biotech horizon for Nigeria?
These policies signal a global reallocation of resources. The Inflation Reduction Act funds research grants, green technology, and pharma developments. The Biosecure Act strengthens the U.S.’s pandemic defense, expanding R&D in diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Diversity in clinical trials is crucial, with regulatory bodies insisting on representative populations. Unlike South Africa, which excels in hosting global trials, Nigeria, with over 220 million people, must act decisively to seize this opportunity.
Where does Nigeria stand, and how big is the missed opportunity?
Nigeria invests less than 0.5 per cent of its GDP in R&D, compared to South Africa’s 0.8-1 per cent. Deloitte estimates African markets could earn $1.5-3 billion in outsourced clinical trials by 2030, yet Nigeria’s share is minimal due to slow regulatory approvals. Companies like Fidson, Emzor, and May & Baker excel in generics, but lag in advanced biotech development. During COVID-19, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) made strides in diagnostics and phytomedicine. These successes show our potential for global-standard innovation with proper support.
How does the African Development Bank and African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF) align with biotech expansion?
The APTF strengthens Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and technology transfer capabilities. It can bridge gaps between African manufacturers and global pharma, enabling local production of vaccines and biosimilars. For Nigeria, APTF offers modernisation of cGMP facilities, streamlined NAFDAC regulations, and collaborative industry agreements. Countries like Morocco and Rwanda engage with APTF for local vaccine manufacturing, and Nigeria Professor Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist, exemplifies our potential. If a streamlined system existed, his expertise could drive local vaccine R&D programs of global caliber. Additionally, biotech ventures in Lagos’ Yaba tech cluster focus on rapid diagnostics for tropical diseases. With funding and incubator support, these startups could expand significantly, mirroring India’s BIRAC programme.
If Nigeria’s leaders are reading this, what would you propose
- Short-Term (1-3 Years): Launch an e-submission system at NAFDAC to halve approval times. Offer tax incentives for global sponsors conducting Phase II/III trials in Nigeria. Establish government and private bank-funded Sovereign Biotech Fund for early-stage R&D. Initiate tech-transfer offices (TTOs) in leading universities (UNIBEN, UNILAG, UI, ABU) to patent discoveries and cultivate biotech startups. Create biotech-specific incubators modeled on Yaba’s co-creation hub.
- Long-Term (5-10 Years): Negotiate co-development deals and manufacturing licenses for complex biologics under APTF. Harmonises ECOWAS regulations for a unified clinical trial market. Establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with cGMP-certified parks in Lagos, Abuja, or Ogun State. Encourage global pharma to establish vaccine finishing and filling lines, generating skilled jobs.
- Reverse Brain Drain: Offer diaspora incentives, including research grants, lab space, and tenured positions, to attract top scientists back to Nigeria. Partner with institutions like NIMR for advanced therapy labs.
What is the potential impact?
Capturing 20 percent of Africa’s clinical trial market could generate $300-600 million annually by 2030. cGMP vaccine and biosimilar production might yield $1-2 billion in exports across West Africa. Each biomanufacturing facility can create hundreds of high-skill jobs and a broader network of supporting sectors. This would enhance healthcare access, reduce medication imports, and safeguard against future pandemics.
Any closing thoughts?
The time for half measures is over. President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council must prioritise biotech development as a national goal. Universities should embrace industry partnerships and fast-track patent commercialisation. Private investors need to recognise the long-term ROI in biotech. We owe it to every Nigerian to build a thriving biotech ecosystem, creating high-value jobs and ensuring health security. I believe that with a unified effort, Nigeria can evolve from a biotech latecomer to a global powerhouse, redefining health security and economic prosperity across Africa.
