Soludo Applauds May & Baker’s Bold Leap in Nigeria’s Drug Manufacturing

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed admiration for May & Baker Nigeria Plc for its commitment to manufacturing quality pharmaceutical products locally. The commendation came during his recent visit to the company’s exhibition stand at the 2025 Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) national conference held in Awka, Anambra State.

According to industry sources, Soludo was particularly impressed by the variety of medicines on display, most of which were locally produced at May & Baker’s world-class Pharmacentre facility in Ota, Ogun State. The Governor engaged in discussions with company representatives about the significance of homegrown drug production and the implications for Nigeria’s healthcare system and economy.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of May & Baker, Patrick Ajah, underscored the company’s pioneering role in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, highlighting its sustained investment in research, innovation, and the development of indigenous herbal remedies. He noted that the company remains the first in Nigeria to establish a state-of-the-art herbal production facility dedicated to transforming locally sourced herbs into modern therapeutic products.

Ajah cited products such as Roveda, a medicinal formulation derived from bitter-leaf and developed by renowned Nigerian scientist Professor Izevbigie, Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, and Niclovix, created by the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). Both products are now being manufactured and distributed through May & Baker’s herbal medicine division.

Governor Soludo, while engaging with company officials, asked pointed questions about the health benefits of the herbal products and their target markets. He also inquired about May & Baker’s investment presence in Anambra State. In response, Ajah revealed that the company currently operates a depot in Onitsha and has ongoing plans to build a full facility within the region, signaling deeper future engagement.

Observers note that Governor Soludo’s support for homegrown pharmaceutical innovation reflects a broader push to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base and reduce dependence on imported medications.