By Ishioma Appiah Yeboah
In a bold move to transform Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry and address drug security challenges, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has commenced construction of a cutting-edge Pharmaceutical Research and Distribution Centre in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The new centre is part of a larger national strategy to establish state-of-the-art research and quality assurance hubs across key Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) in Kano, Lagos, and Anambra, aiming to create centralized systems for drug distribution, quality control, and compliance.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which drew leaders from the pharmaceutical industry and government, represents a pivotal step toward building a more organized, reliable, and globally competitive pharmaceutical market in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, emphasized the importance of the project in strengthening pharmaceutical infrastructure and enhancing Nigeria’s standing in the global drug supply chain.
“It is heartwarming that NAIP is laying the foundation for this centre here in Anambra. I extend our appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for generously allocating this land at no cost, and to our royal father, Igwe Ezechuamagha I of Ogidi Kingdom, for gracing this historic occasion,” Pharm. Ezebuilo stated.
He noted that the initiative will not only improve access to high-quality pharmaceutical products but also support local capacity building and training for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical workforce.
“With the right infrastructure and support, we can elevate the standards of pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria and beyond,” he added.
The research centre will be equipped to handle rigorous quality assurance processes, ensuring that all pharmaceutical products undergo thorough evaluation for efficacy, safety, and compliance both upon arrival and before distribution.
A key feature of the project includes the construction of specialized warehouses with capacity to maintain temperature-sensitive medications under medically regulated conditions—preserving the integrity of life-saving drugs throughout the supply chain.
The groundbreaking was officially performed by Chief (Dr.) U.N.O. Uwaga, with HRM Igwe Ezechuamagha I serving as the Guest of Honour. The event attracted prominent stakeholders, including representatives of NAIP branches from Anambra and Delta States, industry leaders, and top executives from across Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
Many attendees hailed the initiative as a game-changer for drug supply integrity, adding that it will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s fight against counterfeit drugs and improve access to safe, regulated medications.
As the project takes off, NAIP’s vision of a modernized and globally compliant pharmaceutical system appears to be taking solid root—starting from the Southeast.
