PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS GROUP OF MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (PMG-MAN) 

 

Communique of the Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Forum Held on November 27, 2014 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja

 

The Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Forum was hosted by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufactures Association  of Nigeria (PMGMAN) on November 27th 2014 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja with the Theme: "PRODUCTION OF MEDICINES IN NIGERIA-TIME FOR CRITICAL INTERVENTIONS" 

 

The Forum was attended by Government Ministries, Departments & Agencies (Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, NIPRD, PCN, CPC, SURE-P) and key Stakeholders such as UNIDO, WHO, ECOWAS Commission, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Association of Industrial Pharmacists, Manufacturers Associatloa of Nigeria, The Bank of Industry Limited, Crown Agents Limited, and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. 

 

In the Key Note Address The Chairman, PMGMAN, Pharm. Okey Akpa, FPSN highlighted the progress made by the Pharmaceutical Industry in Nigeria such as regulatory approval for Chlorhexidine Gel made in Nigeria by Drugfield Pharmaceutical Limited and the World Health Organization's approval for FOUR NIGERIAN MANUFACTURERS: Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited, CHI Pharmaceuticals Limited, Evans Medical Pic and May & Baker Nigeria Plc. 

The Panels chaired respectively by Dr. Patrick Kormawa, (UNIDO), Mr. Linus Awute mni (Federal Ministry of Health) and Mazi Sam. Ohuanbunwa, (Sure-P) recommended the following "Critical Interventions" to uplift pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria: 

 

Priority Status 

The consensus of The Forum is that the Pharmaceutical Industry be designated a STRATEGIC SECTOR and Essential Medicines designated SECURITY ITEMS in Nigeria which should be backed by preferential policies and a SPECIAL INTERVENTION FUND. The Government is enjoined to implement outstanding recommendations of the Special Presidential Committee on the Pharmaceutical Sector domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Health. 

 

Policies 

The Pharmaceutical Industry to study, monitor and facilitate the implementation of extant and relevant Government policies: 

•  The National Drug Policy (2005) 

•  The Public ProcurementAct (2007) 

•  The Presidential Directive on patronage of Local Manufacturers (2012) 

 

Patronage 

Ministries, Department and Agencies to patronize local manufacturers in compliance with Presidential Directives. Domestic Preference Policy of the Public Procurement Act 2007 to be fully advertized, implemented and prompt payments effected. 

In view of compliance with WHO Good Manufacturing Practice, Nigerian Manufacturers to expand market reach to West Africa and beyond. 

 

Incentives 

There is need to encourage investment in the pharmaceutical sector through incentives such as Grants, Pioneer Status, Tax Holidays and affordable funding from Developmental Banks and Partners as well as support for capital projects at national and regional levels from International Finance Corporation and UNIDO. 

There is need for Special Incentives for Research and development in the Pharmaceutical Sector as well as Special Tariff Waivers & Concessions for specialized machinery and equipment for quality improvements and upgrades such as Air Handling Units, Clean Room Items and specialty chemicals for flooring. 

 

Protection of local Industry 

The Nigerian Government and Stakeholders are strongly advised to protect the Pharmaceutical Industry especially within the ECOWAS Common External Tariff by appropriate levies on Products that are currently on Import Prohibition List as well as provisions to expand the List as capacities in-country demand. 

 

Advocacy

The Pharmaceutical Sector in Nigeria must intensify advocacy with Government Agencies, Development Partners such as UNIDO, WHO, ECOWAS, WAHO, The Organized Private Sector and the Media. 

PMGMAN to continue hosting the Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Forum and the Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Expo regularly. 

 

Appreciation 

The Forum expresses deep appreciation to the Supervising Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, Chairmen of Panels, Dr. Patrick Kormawa, (UNIDO), Mr. Linus Awute (Federal Ministry of Health) and Mazi Sam. Ohuanbunwa, (Sure-P) as well as Special Guests: Dr. Kadre Ouefraogo, President, ECOWAS Commission, Pharm. OlumideAkintayo (President, PSN) Dr. Frank S. U. Jacobs, (President, MAN) Dr. Paul Orhii (Director General, NAFDAC), Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, (Registrar, PCN). Mrs Dupe Atoki (Director General, CPC),Mr.Raheed Olaoluwa, (CEO, Bank of Industry), Dr. Mark Abani(Managing Director, Crown Agents Nig. Ltd). Mrs Joyce Ugwu. (Federal Ministry of Health), Pharm. Gbenga Falabi, Chairman, NAIP),Mrt Moji Makanjuola (Bronz & Onyx International) all our invited Guests, Members of PMGMAN and the Media for making The Forum a reality. 

 

Signed 

Pharm. Okey Akpa FPSN

Chairman

 

Olakunle Okelola 

Executive Secretary

 

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