A momentous occasion unfolded on Thursday, April 18th, 2024, as esteemed dignitaries converged at the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) headquarters to discuss a groundbreaking collaboration. The Kachallan Kano, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Yakassai Mni, FPSN, FMIN, FNAPharm, Honorary Consul General to Pakistan, and Mr. Kolawole Owodunni, the Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), spearheaded talks aimed at establishing a world-class excipient company.
Though Mr. Kolawole Owodunni could not attend in person, his delegation was ably represented by Pharmacist Funke Falada, Head of the Pharmaceutical Sector at NSIA, and Hauwa Abubakar, a Chemical Engineer with NSIA. Their presence underscored the seriousness and strategic importance of the proposed collaboration.
The primary agenda of the meeting centered on leveraging collective expertise and resources to develop a state-of-the-art excipient manufacturing facility. Excipients, essential components in pharmaceutical formulations, play a critical role in ensuring the efficacy and safety of medicinal products. By establishing a local production hub, Nigeria aims to reduce dependency on imports while enhancing pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and promoting economic growth.
Prof. Martins Emeje, the Director General/Chief Executive of NNMDA, welcomed the delegation and expressed enthusiasm for the potential partnership. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, Prof. Emeje emphasized the transformative impact such collaboration could have on advancing healthcare delivery and fostering innovation within the pharmaceutical industry.
Notably, Alhaji Ahmed Yakassai’s dual role as Chairman of Evans Baroque Limited added another layer of expertise and industry insight to the collaboration. His extensive business acumen and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this venture. As discussions progress, NNMDA remains committed to its mission of promoting natural medicine research and development. The envisioned excipient company aligns perfectly with NNMDA’s broader objectives of harnessing indigenous resources and expertise to address healthcare challenges and drive socio-economic development. The visit by His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Yakassai, and the NSIA delegation marks a significant step towards realizing the vision of a vibrant pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, NNMDA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare innovation in the country.
