A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 26th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL PHARMACISTS OF NIGERIA (NAIP) HELD FROM 5th– 8th OF JULY, 2023 AT CARLTON SWISS GRAND HOTELS LIMITED, 47B, NZA STREET, INDEPENDENCE LAYOUT, BEHIND GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
1.0 Introduction
The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) is a technical arm of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the professional body of all registered and licensed Pharmacists in the Pharmaceutical Industry within Nigeria, dedicated to the promotion of Pharmacy profession, Pharmacy education/research and Pharmacy practice within the Industrial sector. NAIP having over 500 companies as corporate members representing over 1000 Pharmacists from all over Nigeria, held the 26th edition of its annual national conference on July 5th – 8th July, 2023 at the Carlton Swiss Grand Hotels Limited, 47B, Nza Street, Independence Layout, behind Government House, Enugu, Enugu State.
The conference involved a keynote address on the theme, sessions on the sub-theme, and panel discussions to brainstorm and provide solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing Nigerian Industrial Pharmacists.
The theme of the conference: The Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry Towards Achieving Medicines Security in Nigeria was addressed by the keynote address given by Prof. S. I. Ofoefule, FPSN of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The first technical session titled: A New Growth Formula for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Nigeria was by Pharm. Kunle Oyelana, FPSN, MD/CEO Glaxosmithkline, Nigeria.
The second technical session titled: Attracting and Retaining Contract or Toll Manufacturing, Givers and Receivers Perspectives was delivered by Pharm. Yetunde Adigun, Technical Director, Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited.
The Conference also featured a Panel discussion with Prince Chijioke Ofomata FPSN as the lead discussant while the Panelists included Pharm. Mrs. Ifeanyinwa Grace Ohiaeri, Director, PCN Southeast; Pharm. Valentine Okelu, Executive Director Sales/ Marketing, May & Baker PLC; Pharm. Ekene Christopher Aguolu, MD/CEO Ecomed, Prof. S. I. Ofoefule, FPSN of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Pharm. Declan Ugwu from NAFDAC.
2.0 Attendance /Acknowledgements
The opening ceremony was chaired by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume Eze Ana-Ukwu, the Eze Igulube of Omor, Anambra State. Other dignitaries present included Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Health representing the Executive Governor of Enugu State; Prof. Cyril Odianose Usifo FPSN, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN); Pharm. Udeorah Egbuna FPSN, Deputy President PSN South; Pharm. Gbenga Falabi FPSN, National Secretary PSN; Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa FPSN, OFR, Immediate Past President, PSN; Pharm. Ken Onuegbu FPSN, National Chairman NAIP; Pharm. Amaka Okafor, representative of PCN Registrar; Pharm. Madubuattah Louis, representative of DG NAFDAC; Pharm. Mnena Scholastica Lan FPSN, National Chairperson of ALPS; Dr. Ambrose George Ugwu, Registrar, Enugu State University of Science and Technology; Pharm. Festus Ejepke, Chairman PSN Enugu state; Rev. Sis. Nora Morris Anyim representing the Mother General of Daughters of Divine Love; Rev. Sis. Jane Francis Chioke, CEO of Faith based Centre Medical Foundation; Dr. Ezekiel Olugbenga Akinkunmi, National Chairman of NAPA; MD/CEOs of Pharmaceutical companies across the Country.
The conference was also attended by NAIP Executive and Council members as well as NAIP delegates from eleven states including Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Imo and Plateau states.
Deep appreciation goes to all the executive committee members, members of the conference planning committee, our sponsors, special guests, association s members, secretariat staff, vendors and all those who contributed to the success of the conference.
3.0 Summary of Discussions
The following is a summary of discussions made during the speeches, paper presentations, technical sessions, panel discussions, and contributions of participants:
Nigeria contributes less than 2% to the global pharmaceutical market.
A precondition to medicine security is localized manufacturing.
Local production of essential medicines has the potential to reduce the infiltration of falsified and substandard medicines as well as improve the economy of the country.
Challenges facing the pharmaceutical industries include lack of infrastructure, weak industrial linkages, weak technology, and engineering base, lack of petrochemical industries to enable API production, poor funding, inadequate incentives, high and multiple taxation, dysfunctional supply chain, brain drain of professionals, inconsistent fiscal and monetary policies, etc.
In addition, Nigeria fully relies on other Countries like India and China for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and excipients and this dependency is worrisome.
The Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry due to its size and clout can be trusted to produce and distribute quality medicines and is expected to take the lead in solving Africa’s problem.
Collaboration is key for the Pharmaceutical Industry operators as well as collaborations with others like academia and research institutes.
Contract and toll manufacturing should be explored instead of attempting to embark on full-scale production particularly where there are inadequate funds.
The development of actionable strategies that can be implemented is very important to promote medicine security in the Country with the new Government policy of 60% local and 40% imports in focus.
Since NAFDAC is not a business agency, they should be wary of the levy, fees, and stringent policies and rules imposed on Pharmaceutical Companies.
The issue of restriction of the number of products to be registered per quarter by NAFDAC is not acceptable because it sets pharmaceutical companies backward in terms of planning, and it reduces the employment of Pharmacists as well as business opportunities.
The issue of the Common Technical Document (CTD) format of dossiers is still a major hindrance to the registration of pharmaceutical products.
4.0 Key Outcomes and Decisions
In the light of the observations made, conference arrived at the following:
- A holistic approach requiring the active involvement of all stakeholders as regards medicine security in Nigeria must be employed.
- There is an urgent need for the drafting and implementation of a National strategic plan (Master plan) for the development of Pharmaceutical Industries in Nigeria. The drafting of the blue print should be championed by NAIP and PSN.
- Regulatory bodies must be humane in their approach to ensure the quality of drugs being produced as well as promote local manufacturing.
- Cooperation and collaboration without unnecessary competition among Pharmaceutical Industry in the form of contract manufacturing is the way to go. However, well written contract agreements must be in place.
- Government must initiate and implement policies and Incentives that will promote, protect and grow the local Pharmaceutical Industries.
- Government must also provide the enabling environment for pharmaceutical companies to thrive. This includes the provision of infrastructural facilities, ensuring the peace and security of lives and properties among others.
- CTD format of dossier should not be made as a compulsory requirement by regulatory bodies for locally consumed products except if they have to be exported.
5.0 Follow-up Actions
The conference participants expressed their commitment to partner with the regulatory bodies, Government as well as other stakeholders in activities that would be leveraged towards ensuring the availability of essential medicines consummating the quest for quality health for all Nigerians.
NAIP will set up a committee that will come up with a blueprint to enhance medicines security in the Country which will be presented to the Government for consideration.
6.0 Closing
NAIP, as a major stakeholder in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical sector, reaffirms its strong commitment to providing education, strategic guidance, ethical practice in achieving medicines security in Nigeria thereby ensuring the health of Nigerians.
Pharm. Ken Onuegbu FPSN
National Chairman
Pharm. Joy Adeshina FPCPharm
National Secretary
