Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has said efforts are underway to cut down Nigeria’s drug importation rate, which currently stands at 70 per cent.

The association made this known, on Wednesday during a press briefing in Lagos ahead of its 28th Annual National Conference scheduled to hold from June 23 to 27 at The Citadel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The conference, themed ‘Scale, Innovation and Transformation of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry (SIT 2025)’, is expected to bring together major stakeholders in the sector.

National Chairman of NAIP, Kenneth Onuegbu, said the opening ceremony would be chaired by the Managing Director of Juhel Nigeria Ltd., Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, while Dr Margaret Ilomuanya of the University of Lagos would deliver the keynote address. The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, will serve as the chief host.

Onuegbu commended the Federal Government for introducing a zero duty policy on imported pharmaceutical inputs, describing it as a timely move to support local drug manufacturing.

“As industrial pharmacists, we are glad and happy with the latest policy. It’s a very good one,” he said.

He noted that although the policy is still new, some companies have already started enjoying the benefits, particularly those involved in API-related projects.

“If you’re a sincere, transparent investor who used to pay ₦3 million in import duties, you’ll now enjoy significant relief. And we expect that this benefit should be passed on to final consumers,” he said.

Onuegbu said the full effect of the waiver may take a few months to reflect in the market, but drug prices will eventually begin to drop.

“Give it about three months or by the end of this year, and you’ll begin to see noticeable impact,” he added.

He stressed that NAIP’s goal is to move Nigeria from producing only 30 per cent of its essential medicines locally to achieving at least a 50–50 balance, with the long-term plan of hitting 70 per cent local production.

“A few years ago, we had maybe one or two pharmaceutical plants in the country. Today, investors from India, China and other parts of Asia are setting up facilities here,” he said.

Onuegbu said NAIP is focused on building a strong pharmaceutical ecosystem that is self-sufficient, cost-effective, and technology-driven.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Pharm. Jude Abonu, said the five-day conference will feature experts who will offer practical steps to move the industry forward.

“It’s not just about talking. We want to chart the next steps for the industry,” he said.

Onuegbu also emphasized the need for digital transformation, urging pharmacists to adopt modern tools such as AI, blockchain, and drone technology.

“Scaling isn’t just about output. It’s about upgrading skills, knowledge, and embracing innovation,” he said.

He warned that continued dependence on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) weakens Nigeria’s drug security.

“As long as we keep importing APIs, we are only doing contract manufacturing,” he added.