FG Plans 2-Year Extension Of Pharma Executive Order, Eyes 70% Local Drug Production – NPME 2026
The Federal Government has indicated plans to extend the Presidential Executive Order supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing by another two years as Nigeria pushes to become a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
The indication was given at the 8th Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Expo (NPME) 2026, held on September 28 and 29 at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The two-day expo, organised by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), attracted over 200 exhibitors with focus on advancing regional manufacturing and Africa’s pharmaceutical sovereignty.
Declaring the expo open, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing as a pathway to medicine security and economic development.
Salako called for increased investment across the pharmaceutical value chain, including research and development, production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), biologics, vaccines and other critical health technologies.
In his welcome address, Chairman of NPME 2026, Pharm. Dr Patrick Ajah, said no nation can achieve sustainable greatness without manufacturing what its citizens consume.
He noted that Nigeria’s drug consumption was previously 70% import and 30% local production, but said public-private collaboration in the last two years has begun to reverse the trend.
Chairman of PMGMAN, Oluwatosin Jolayemi, said the sector is undergoing significant transformation with over 200 local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies now in the group.
Jolayemi appealed to the Federal Government to extend the Executive Order, which expires in March 2027, by another two years to enable manufacturers deepen investment and consolidate gains.
“The gains recorded by the industry must be protected through policy consistency and a predictable investment environment,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, the Director of Chemical and Non-Pharmaceutical Industry, Mr John Okpe Oluwa, said FG under the Renewed Hope Agenda is targeting 70% domestic production of essential medicines.
Enoh listed proposed interventions including expanded tax exemptions, tariff waivers on raw materials and machinery, incentives for backward integration, and dedicated pharmaceutical intervention funds.
He added that government is working with NAFDAC and SON to ensure locally manufactured drugs meet international standards for export under AfCFTA.
On her part, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that 37 local manufacturing facilities are undergoing retrofitting and construction upgrades to meet international standards.
She said NAFDAC’s 5+5 policy has helped reduce drug importation and urged Nigeria to intensify local production of vaccines.
The Director-General of African Medicines Agency, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, called for stronger regulatory cooperation among African countries to accelerate access to quality-assured medicines.
The Lagos State Government, represented by Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, pledged support for the sector in addressing energy costs, infrastructure and financing.
One of the highlights was the Founders and Industry Leaders Session featuring Dr Stella Okoli of Emzor, Dr Fidelis Ayebae of Fidson Plc, Dr Olakunle Ekundayo of Drugfield and Elder Varkey Verghese of Jawal International.
PMGMAN also unveiled its Industry Self-Regulation Quality Plus (ISRQ+) Project, which includes a five-year Medicine Security Industry Advocacy Strategy for 2027–2031.
The group announced plans for the 9th edition of the Expo in 2028.
