NAFDAC Conducts Workshop For Stakeholders On API Manufacturing

NAFDAC Conducts Workshop For Stakeholders On API Manufacturing

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has provided comprehensive training for stakeholders on the various aspects of local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). APIs are the key components in pharmaceutical products responsible for their therapeutic effects.

The training, titled “Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain: Second Regional Workshop on Manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Excipients in Nigeria,” was held in Ikeja. The two-day workshop, which concluded on Tuesday, aimed to build capacity and strengthen both regulators and local manufacturers to improve access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines.

During the event, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, highlighted the importance of the recent executive order, which simplifies the importation of manufacturing goods by reducing customs duties and fees. She emphasized the need for preparedness before beginning local manufacturing to ensure quality and sustainability.

“This workshop is crucial for building our capacity and understanding,” said Adeyeye. “We are committed to quality from the start, involving capacitating regulators, manufacturers, and the future workforce. Collaboration with partners like WHO, the Gates Foundation, USAID, and USP is vital for our success.”

Adeyeye also noted ongoing projects, including Emzor’s facility for antimalarials and a consortium led by Fidson focusing on analgesics, antibiotics, and cardiovascular medicines.

Mr. Uchenna Okonkwo, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control, stated that legislators can enact laws to facilitate pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria. He pointed out the executive arm’s role in exempting VAT and levies on the importation of active ingredients.

Dr. Jude Nwokike, representing the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), discussed the Promoting the Quality of Medicine Plus program, funded by USAID, which sets standards for medical products to ensure high quality.

Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO’s representative in Nigeria, emphasized the workshop’s role in developing guidelines and training stakeholders. He noted the heavy reliance on imported APIs in Nigeria and stressed the importance of local production for quality and sustainability.

“This workshop is a significant step towards enabling Nigeria to produce APIs locally,” Mulombo said. “Local manufacturing does not mean low quality, and the WHO is committed to supporting Nigeria at policy and regulation levels.”