The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) has said poor infrastructure, weak financing and policy lapses are major obstacles slowing pharmaceutical innovation in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, yesterday, to unveil activities for the academy’s 11th anniversary and 2025 investiture, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Ahmed Yakasai, stated that the pharmaceutical sector cannot thrive without deliberate investment in innovation, infrastructure and policy reform.

The events are scheduled to hold at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, from Wednesday, October 15 to Thursday, October 16, 2025, with the theme “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development.”

Yakasai explained that many Nigerian pharmaceutical companies struggle to meet global standards due to infrastructural gaps.

He noted that regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) demand strict compliance before companies can operate internationally, but most local firms lack the requisite facilities to meet those standards.

He also highlighted the continued importation of basic inputs such as SPS and EPS from China and India, saying it reflects deep infrastructural weaknesses within the system.

On financing, Yakasai stressed that local companies face significant capital demands in setting up innovative facilities. He cited the case of a colleague who was asked to provide N100 billion to build a backend structure for a pharmaceutical innovation project, a figure he said was far beyond the capacity of most indigenous firms.

“Many Nigerian companies are not that big. That is why I keep calling for mergers so they can grow to that level,” he said.

He further identified policy lapses as a critical issue, criticising the government’s continued reliance on imported drugs despite the availability of local alternatives. He urged authorities to prioritise local manufacturers in procurement processes to strengthen production and support the domestic economy.

Beyond the challenges, Yakasai unveiled the academy’s upcoming programmes, which include the Annual General Meeting, a valedictory session in honour of the late Pharm. Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe, and the investiture of new fellows.