Pharm. (Sir) Ikechukwu Onyechi, the Managing Director of Alpha Pharmacy & Stores Ltd, has urged stakeholders and manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry to embrace bold action and innovation. Pharm Onyechi made the call while delivering an impassioned address during the 28th Annual National Conference of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) on June 25, 2025,
The conference was themed: "Scale, Innovation, and Transformation of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry"—Onyechi called for a critical reevaluation of the sector's current practices and a commitment to proactive measures.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” he asserted, emphasizing the vital need to move beyond complacency. While acknowledging that some progress has been made, he stressed that it is far from sufficient. “We shouldn't be comfortable relying on imports from India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Why don’t we attempt to do something locally, even if it’s a straightforward adaptation of existing models?” he challenged, advocating for strategic partnerships with other nations excelling in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Onyechi's message resonated deeply as he called for a sharp shift towards accountability and actionable solutions. “We can't keep repeating the same phrases and maintaining the same practices while expecting different outcomes,” he declared, motivating attendees to act decisively for the betterment of the industry.
“Let’s leave here with a commitment to take meaningful strides towards innovation,” he urged, encouraging industry leaders to rise to the occasion and actively shape the future of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape.
As a respected icon within NAIP, Pharm. (Sir) Ikechukwu Onyechi’s passionate plea reflects his dedication to fostering a more self-sufficient and dynamic pharmaceutical sector, reminding everyone of their collective responsibility to drive transformation and growth for the benefit of the nation. His call for action serves as a powerful reminder that the time for change is now.
