By Joke Adeniyi-Jackson
The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has disclosed that about 90 percent of raw materials for pharmaceuticals are imported into Nigeria.
The association also called on the Federal Government to create enabling environment for modern technology for Pharmaceutical revolution in Nigeria.
National President of the Association, Mr Ignatius Anukwu, made the call at the 5th NAIP Day, organised by the Kwara State Branch of the association, recently.
He noted that national policy is important to align industry with technology, adding that such policy will reduce the amount of drugs being imported into the country.
Anukwu, who was represented at the occasion, by the Vice-Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Gana Ahmed, reiterated that Nigeria must take advantage of modern technology in the pharmaceutical industry.
Speaking earlier at the occasion, Mr Gbenga Banbe, the Chairman of Association of Induatrial Pharmacists, Kwara Chapter, said that the biggest challenge for Nigeria is for industry to align with technology, while getting the pharma-employees to be more innovative and responsive in their thinking to enable optimal use of modern technology.
“Technology advancement has become increasingly critical for firms including pharmaceutical companies in order to achieve competitive advantage,” he said.
According to him, many industries and healthcare sectors are experiencing it’s own digital transformations, as there are new ways in helping patient manage and overcome illness.
He lamented that the technological revolution in Nigerian Pharmaceutical industry is slow and in most part, has been missing out.
He explained that tech-revolution will help during new drug development and reduce development costs, tackle a lot of productivity challenges at formulation and produce output and quality management system of facility, among others.
Dr Abiola Shittu of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy of University of Ilorin, in his paper presentation, said through legislative reform, India’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the fastest growing segment of the Indian economy.
“Currently Indian Pharmaceutical companies produce between 20 and 22 percent of the world generic drugs and offer 60,000 finished medicines and nearly 400 bulk used informulations,” he said.
Shittu, who teaches at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University, advised government to establish a National Biotechnology programme that will consist of a National Commission on Biotechnology, also establish a Biotechnology Centre and Bio-safety Authority.
He also called for waiver of tax on research materials and equipment and to encourage specialized technological financing agencies to provide loans to firms or consortia and research institute, among others.
