Posted on: Tue 23-02-2021

I am honoured to welcome you and your team, on behalf of the Management and entire staff of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). I believe this is your first visit to this great establishment and so we would like to use the opportunity to apprise you of some of our recent achievements. We also wish to commend your continued leadership and strident efforts and in the COVID-19 pandemic response as well as in other critical areas of National healthcare provision. 

2.         NIPRD was established with the primary objective of enhancing the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical raw materials, drugs and biological products from Africa’s indigenous natural resources. NIPRD is also mandated to engage in activities relating to capacity building, policy making, data collation, drug distribution and the development of contextual partnerships that can expedite access to healthcare. In achieving these objectives, a significant number of relevant international accreditations and certifications have been attained by the Institute, including ISO 9001:2015 certified by the Standards Organization of Nigeria and ISO 17025:2017 in the field of technical competence in testing. Consequently, the Institute’s work has been globally recognized as evidenced by awards such as its recent designation as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the African Sub-region towards improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians and mankind by the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDi).

3.         As you are aware Sir, during the 2020 calendar year, NIPRD made a considerable contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic response, both within the country and internationally. For instance, NIPRD provided the internationally acclaimed analysis that underpinned Government’s categorical position on the Madagascan Covid Organics preparation. This analysis went viral internationally, with scientists and policymakers around the world referencing NIPRD’s seminal work on the product. With their work, a multitude of lives on the continent were saved, Africa conserved millions of Dollars that would otherwise have been expended on an unverified product, and Research and Development resources were prioritised to more effective solutions. 

4.         Early last year at the onset of the pandemic, NIPRD pioneered and strongly advocated indigenous manufacturing of hand sanitisers from locally sourced raw materials. The Institute notably concept produced its own brand of hand sanitisers and this has gone on to become famous for its high international quality. The Institute has also been involved as sponsor, as well as technical partner to a number of ongoing Randomised Control Trials aimed at scientifically proving the efficacy of a number of conventional medicines currently at the Clinical Trials’ phase. 

5.         Furthermore Sir, NIPRD leveraged on its reputation as the first African Institute to develop a world-class phytomedicine from drug discovery up to phase two clinical trials, to begin work on repurposing NIPRIMUNE™, its flagship immunomodulatory agent for relevant clinical studies for COVID-19. Several months after NIPRD’s breakthrough in this area, The Government of Thailand approved the same phytomedicine for the management of COVID-19. These are just a few of the many areas where the Institute has supported the National response for the deadly virus. 

6.         Distinguished Honourable Chairman Sir, we are indeed grateful for the time you have taken to engage with us today. This is further evidence of this administration’s commitment to providing a policy milieu that entrenches Research and Development in our National Development Strategy. It will interest you to learn that NIPRD is well positioned to lead the scientific evolution that will enable Africa attain its rightful place in the global community. Our ground breaking work in various areas including Nanomedicine, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Phytomedicinal Drug Discovery and several others, are at all advanced stages, and when supported to completion will ensure that Nigeria emerges Africa’s hub for all forms of pharmaceutical research, manufacturing and development.

7. Despite this great potential, there are still significant challenges. For instance, prioritisation and adequate funding of the sector is still suboptimal.  So far, despite this Administration’s clear policy prioritisation, and marginal support, partners such as philanthropic organisations, and development partners are yet to align to Government’s position. I therefore wish to use this opportunity to urge all well-meaning individuals and corporate entities to stand up now and be counted amongst Nigeria’s friends. Honourable Chairman Sir, we also expect that given your massive network and immense influence, you will reach out to stakeholders in the aforementioned categories to step up their support for NIPRD’s national Research and Development efforts for COVID-19 and other critical health issues that plague our people.

---

---