Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, an indigenous pan-African manufacturer and distributor of medicines and surgical equipment, among others, has revealed that it’s reading to begin local manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) plant.
The move is part of the benefits of Nigeria’s efforts to address the rising cost of drugs and other medical consumables in Nigeria.
The facility is expected to commence local production of API before the end of the year, according to the company’s Director of Strategy, Funke Asiru.
Ms Asiru spoke at the Nigeria-EU Business Forum (NEUBF) 9th forum, titled: “Investing in Jobs and Sustainable Future,” organised by EUinNigeria under EU Global Gateway.
She said the move aims to improve the country’s healthcare system as the facility will produce APIs for various medicines, including those used to treat malaria and cancer.
In April, Emzor announced plans to construct an API facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, worth $23 million (about N25 billion) to combat the pervasive threat of malaria in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Funding, establishment of API
According to Ms Asiru, the project is being funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
“With the European Investment Bank (EIB), we started doing our investment. So we’re not there yet. By the end of the year, by God’s grace, we will be there,” she said.
She further stated that establishing the API plant is seen as a significant development in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, as it will reduce the country’s reliance on imported medicines and improve access to quality healthcare for millions of Nigerians.
She said that “the COVID-19 disrupted the global supply chain. Therefore, by producing our drugs, it will reduce our vulnerability.”
