Emzor invest $230m in API plant to boost local drug production

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has announced plans to start local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) by late 2025.

This move aims to reduce drug costs and ensure Nigerians have access to high-quality, life-saving medicines at affordable prices.

During a media tour of Emzor’s API manufacturing plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, Group Managing Director Dr. Stella Okoli highlighted the project’s significance.

The $23 million factory, she said, reinforces Emzor’s commitment to medicine security and reducing reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.

Okoli emphasized that the API facility marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare sector and pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

She noted that Emzor has consistently broken new ground in making essential medicines accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

These include antimalarials, pediatric medicines, vitamins, tuberculosis drugs, and HIV/AIDS antiretrovirals, among other life-saving medications.

She stated that Emzor currently produces over 13 essential medicines designated by the United Nations for critical health needs.

By investing in local API production, Emzor is responding to the urgent demand for locally manufactured medicines in Africa.

“The Emzor story is one of impact,” Okoli stated, emphasizing the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.

She noted that counterfeit drugs were once a major challenge, but Emzor’s investments have helped change this narrative.

“Our commitment to local production has significantly improved medicine quality and safety in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical space,” she said.

According to Okoli, Emzor is dedicated to innovation, efficiency, and ensuring consistent access to quality pharmaceutical products.

She described the new API plant as a testament to Emzor’s strategic vision, innovation, and commitment to public health.

“This facility represents more than production—it’s about quality assurance, strategic investments, and giving back to society,” she added.

Okoli called on the government to support local drug manufacturers and encourage youth involvement in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Nigeria has a huge population of young people.

“Encouraging them to join the industry will strengthen local pharmaceutical capacity,” she urged.

She reaffirmed her belief in Nigeria’s potential, stating, “We remain a nation of leaders, honest people, and problem solvers.”

Emzor, she added, was built on this foundation and would continue to drive pharmaceutical excellence in Nigeria.

Executive Director, Uzoma Ezeoke, described the API plant as a game-changer for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical self-reliance.

She revealed that it is the first API manufacturing facility in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing local drug production.

Ezeoke praised the federal and Ogun State governments for their strong support in making the project a reality.

She acknowledged challenges such as counterfeiting, high costs, inflation, and multiple taxes affecting the manufacturing sector.

Despite these pressures, she assured that Emzor absorbs many costs to keep medicines affordable for Nigerians.

“With over 200 million people, Nigerians deserve the same high-quality medicines available globally,” she stated.

She emphasized that while Emzor is a business, access to medicine should not be a privilege but a right.

To combat counterfeiting, Emzor has invested in research, quality assurance, packaging, and supply chain monitoring.

“Our vigilance ensures stability in the supply chain, preventing substandard products from entering the market,” she said.

By maintaining strong relationships with distributors and regulators, Emzor continues to safeguard medicine quality in Nigeria.

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