Expansion of Local Pharmaceutical Production in Nigeria
Sam Pharmaceutical Limited has taken a significant step forward by opening a new manufacturing facility in southwestern Nigeria. This development is aimed at expanding the country’s local drug production capacity, as Nigeria continues to work towards reducing its reliance on imported medicines.
The new plant, located in Ota, Ogun State, meets World Health Organisation (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. It was developed with financial support from First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Bank of Industry (BoI). This collaboration highlights the growing interest in strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector through local investment.
The facility has an impressive monthly production capacity, including more than 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles of syrup, and one million pouches. This level of output is expected to significantly contribute to meeting the domestic demand for essential medicines.
Nigeria has been actively seeking to boost domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, especially after the supply chain disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s import-dependent supply chain, prompting a renewed focus on local production.
At the commissioning ceremony held on April 8, Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, emphasized that the project aligns with the government’s efforts to expand local pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on imports. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in ensuring a more resilient healthcare system.
Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele also spoke about the factory’s potential impact. She noted that the facility would support job creation and economic activity in the state while improving access to essential medicines. This dual benefit of economic growth and healthcare improvement is a key advantage of the new plant.
Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), praised the facility, calling it a reflection of the growing compliance with global standards in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. Her comments underscore the importance of adhering to international quality benchmarks to ensure the safety and efficacy of locally produced medicines.
Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First City Monument Bank, shared insights into the bank’s role in supporting the project. She mentioned that FCMB provided a ₦3 billion term loan in partnership with the Bank of Industry, alongside more than ₦3.2 billion in working capital. According to her, this financing reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing and strengthening critical sectors of the economy.
Amit Bhojwani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sam Pharmaceuticals, expressed confidence in the new plant’s ability to scale production and position the company more strongly in Nigeria’s branded generics market. His remarks indicate the company’s long-term vision for growth and competitiveness.
Founded in 1971, Sam Pharmaceutical Limited has established itself as a key player in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry. The company produces more than 120 NAFDAC-approved medicines and operates in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Ogun State. With the expansion of its facilities, the company is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for affordable and high-quality medicines.
