Prof. Martins Emeje, Director General/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), has emphasized the need to place local research and development (R&D) in drug manufacturing as a national priority. He believes that Nigeria can achieve pharmaceutical self-sufficiency by fostering homegrown solutions to medical challenges, particularly in the production of essential drugs like those used for HIV treatment.

According to Prof. Emeje, local pharmaceutical R&D is crucial for reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported medicines. Investing in local drug manufacturing capabilities will not only improve access to critical healthcare resources but also drive economic growth by creating jobs in the pharmaceutical and research sectors.

Prof. Emeje highlighted that Nigeria has the resources, expertise, and infrastructure needed to build a robust local pharmaceutical industry. By leveraging the country’s strengths in traditional medicine, abundance of biodiversity and modern pharmaceutical technology, Nigeria can meet its healthcare needs and enhance its global competitiveness.

Learn more about NNMDA’s efforts in promoting local pharmaceutical innovation

This call to action for innovation in local drug manufacturing highlights a growing shift towards pharmaceutical self-reliance, which has the potential to transform healthcare delivery nationwide and across Africa.

To learn more about Prof. Emeje’s stance on local R&D in drug manufacturing, read more  from Independent Newspaper: Nigeria Must Make Local R&D For Drug Manufacturing National Priority — Prof Emeje – Independent Newspaper Nigeria.