-Charge Local Drug Manufacturers on Quality, Accessible Medicines
An outpouring of accolades greeted the former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Honorary Consul-General of Pakistan in Nigeria, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, at the unveiling of his book titled “The Pharmaceutical Industry and Drug Production in Nigeria”, on Thursday, 21 November, 2024.
The book launch, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, sparked vigorous discussions on fostering a vibrant and self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria, capable of delivering quality, homegrown medicines for national and international consumption. The event was attended by top government officials, regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical industry stakeholders, and the Kano Emirate.
Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, former minister of health and chairman of the occasion, commended the author for his perseverance in researching the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry’s history, highlighting the data that charts a way forward for the sub-sector. He asserted that embracing industrialisation alongside necessary policies is crucial for Nigeria to escape its current challenges.
Adelusi cited the visionary leadership of the incumbent Indian president, who initiated a new vision for the country, revolutionising India’s economy and making it the fourth-largest pharmaceutical manufacturer worldwide. “We have about 130 manufacturing units all over the country. But that’s enabling the rest of the world. But India has 3,000 drug companies and 10,000 manufacturing companies.
“We have to do something to not let ourselves down. Don’t just talk about it. Show the government that we are ready and willing. If we don’t go the industrialisation way, we’ll find out whether they create the fifth or sixth world. We’ll still be in the sixth world. Maybe not the sixth. So I think this industrializstion is it. This book should urge us to participate. But heaven helps those who help themselves,” he quipped.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, also praised the author’s commitment to gathering accurate data for the book, despite the challenges encountered during its writing and publication. “I want to seize this opportunity to commend Alhaji Yakasai and my sister, the wife, for taking the risk to write this book. Taking the time to write the book, and making us all proud. He spent time to gather data and spent time to publish data,” she said.
Adeyeye urged all stakeholders and policymakers to read the book and utilise the data provided for the development of the pharmaceutical subsector. She challenged local pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce quality and accessible medicines, stating, “You are not just making for us. Yes, we want you to make good quality, but we want you to be able to sell, by linking to other countries. We have to link to the world to increase our GDP and decrease unemployment. I challenge you to make quality products that also have a bioequivalence study,” Adeyeye emphasised.
Prof. Lere Baale, the book reviewer, described Ambassador Yakasai as a highly respected figure in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry who leverages his extensive experience for a thoughtful exploration of the sector’s critical role in the country’s healthcare and economy. He highlighted Yakasai’s significant contributions throughout his career, including his roles as co-founder of Taobat Pharma Industries Ltd, pioneer chairman of the Board of Directors of Evans Baroque Ltd, and various advisory positions.
Reviewing the book, which encompasses four thematic areas—local drug manufacturing, regulatory challenges, public health impact, and global integration—Baale noted that it provides a comprehensive historical background of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, tracing its development from colonial times to the present. He pointed out the book’s core theme of transitioning from dependence on imported drugs to local manufacturing, emphasising the necessity for Nigeria to enhance its drug production capabilities.
In the book, he said Yakasai elaborates on government and private sector efforts to encourage local drug production and reduce reliance on potentially costly and quality-compromised imported pharmaceuticals. The book also examines the policy framework surrounding Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, including initiatives like the National Drug Policy and the role of NAFDAC.
Applauding Yakasai’s efforts, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, described him as a worthy ambassador of the Kano Emirate. He remarked that the book serves not only the pharmaceutical industry but also as a valuable tool for nation-building.
Prof. Omotayo, DG of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) expressed joy at Yakasai’ s accomplishment, recounting how they encouraged him during the writing process. “We told him not to stop at anything but a public presentation of the book, which has come to fruition,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to all attendees, the author shared that his passion for a prosperous pharmaceutical industry motivated him to write the book, aiming to create a new path for the sub-sector. He announced that proceeds from the launch would be directed toward the education of the girl child in Kano, addressing the region’s high population of out-of-school children.
Top among the dignitaries that attended the occasion were, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, former minister of health; Prof. Moji Adeyeye, DG, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Dr Salma Ibrahim Ana’s, special adviser to the president on health; Senator Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former minister of health; Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, president, PSN; Pharm. (Hajiya) Wosilat Giwa, chairman, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
Others were, Members, PSN College of Past Presidents; Prof. Ayo Omotayo, DG, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS); Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Prof. Lere Baale, CEO, Business School Netherlands International, and president, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, as the book reviewer; Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, immediate past vice-president, NAPharm, and publisher, Pharmanews, among others.
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