The National Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has unveiled a bold strategic shift toward intensive capacity building and continuous industry oversight, aimed at closing critical knowledge gaps and safeguarding local pharmaceutical manufacturers from regulatory setbacks.
This transformative approach forms the backbone of the Association’s forthcoming 29th Annual National Conference, themed “Collaboration and Innovation: Building Local Solutions for the Future of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry,”* scheduled to hold from May 3 to 8, 2026, at De Peace Hotel and Suites.
Speaking on the Congerence/Training, NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. Bankole Aminu Chinwuba Ezebuilo, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s Industrial pharmaceutical workforce through sustained, knowledge-driven interventions.
“It has been rightly stated that knowledge is power, and to that I will add—capacity building,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of equipping industry professionals with the competencies required to thrive in a highly regulated environment.
According to him, the conference is designed as a four-day, training-focused programme that goes beyond dialogue to deliver practical solutions. It will convene government leaders, regulators, academia, investors, and key industry stakeholders to drive actionable outcomes for the sector. He further emphasized that the initiative is structured to expose participants to global best practices, ensuring Nigerian manufacturers remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected pharmaceutical landscape.
Central to this reform is NAIP’s transition from episodic engagements to a model of year-round support and oversight. The Association will focus on strengthening members’ capabilities in critical areas such as manufacturing quality systems and warehousing processes—key determinants of success during inspections by regulatory bodies such as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
This proactive framework is particularly targeted at supporting companies through the vulnerable early stages of operation, often described as the “teething stage,” where many local pharmaceutical businesses struggle to survive. By instituting continuous engagement mechanisms, NAIP seeks to ensure that industry momentum is sustained beyond conferences, translating resolutions into measurable progress.
“It’s not enough to say what’s wrong. We must show what’s being done, what’s working, and how others can learn from it,” Pharm. Ezebuilo noted, reinforcing his commitment to a results-oriented and evidence-based growth strategy.
The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s broader regulatory ambitions, particularly as NAFDAC advances toward Maturity Level 4 (ML4) status, a benchmark that signals a robust and globally recognized regulatory system. NAIP’s focus on specialized training—including audit preparedness and quality assurance—aims to position its members to meet and exceed these evolving standards.
Beyond industry development, the conference will feature a strong community engagement component. Activities include a health walk, a free medical outreach at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin, and the commissioning of a renovated health centre. The Association will also donate essential medicines valued at over ₦5 million to support ongoing healthcare delivery in the host community.
The planning and execution of the conference are being driven by a dedicated leadership team, including High Chief Pharm. Theophilus Emeka Adimoha (CPC Chairman), Pharm Ken Onuegu , Immediate Past Chairman, Pharm. Charles Adigbo (Welfare Secretary), Rosemary Lawson (National Secretary), and Pharm. Emeka Nnadi (National Publicity Secretary), all working to ensure that outcomes from the conference translate into long-term industry gains.
In his closing remarks, Pharm. Ezebuilo reiterated NAIP’s strategic direction for the sector: strengthening capacity, advancing research and development, supporting local production, and fostering an enabling environment where innovation can thrive.
With this renewed focus, NAIP is positioning itself as a catalyst for a resilient, self-sustaining, and globally competitive pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.
