Emzor Launches West Africa’s First N35.2bn API Production Facility, Aims To Slash Import Reliance

Emzor Pharmaceutical, a leading pharmaceutical company in West Africa, is poised to revolutionise the region’s drug manufacturing landscape with the imminent launch of its N35.2 billion ($23 million) Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production facility. Located in Sagamu, Ogun State,

The facility is expected to commence local production by the end of the year and be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a significant step towards reducing Nigeria’s and West Africa’s reliance on imported raw materials.

The announcement was made by Uzoma Ezeoke, Emzor’s Executive Director General for Duties, Human Resources, and Finance, during a media tour of the company’s facilities.

Ezeoke emphasised Emzor’s dedication to boosting local drug production in the face of prevailing economic headwinds, including inflation and foreign exchange volatility.

“This is a landmark achievement, being the first government-approved project of this scale,” Ezeoke stated, highlighting the strong government support received, including endorsements from the Minister of Health and the President.

The API facility is expected to alleviate pressure on production costs by reducing the need to import raw materials, a key factor contributing to the high cost of pharmaceuticals in the region.

Emzor has pledged to absorb as many costs as possible to maintain affordability for consumers.

Beyond economic benefits, the project is also seen as a crucial step in combating the proliferation of counterfeit drugs. Ezeoke outlined the company’s commitment to maintaining a robust and secure supply chain, partnering with trusted distributors to ensure the integrity of their products.

“By keeping our supply chain stable, we prevent bad actors and unpatriotic citizens from filling the void with substandard products,” she explained.

While acknowledging the current economic challenges, including the tripling of Nigeria’s exchange rate,

Ezeoke highlighted potential relief measures from recent government duty and levy adjustments on local manufacturing inputs, albeit with noted delays in implementation.

Tonee Enenmor, Executive Director/Group Chief Financial Officer, attributed Emzor’s sustained success to prudent resource management, a commitment to high-quality products, and the adoption of innovative technologies.

He reaffirmed Emzor’s commitment to upholding its integrity and its ambition to become Africa’s premier pharmaceutical company.

Dr. Stella Okoli, Group Managing Director and Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical, underscored the vital role of government support in fostering a thriving local pharmaceutical industry.

“There is a need for the government to encourage local drug manufacturers by creating an environment conducive to their success,” she stated. “When local industries thrive, the pressure on foreign exchange decreases, more jobs are created, and technological advancement and research increase.”

Emzor’s commitment extends beyond Nigeria, with ambitions to expand throughout Africa, producing essential medicines and actively working to break down systemic barriers to healthcare affordability and accessibility through continuous research and innovation.

The N35.2 billion API facility represents a major investment in the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in West Africa, promising to deliver economic benefits and improve public health.