At the launch of a new antibiotics brand in Lagos, Imo’s Deputy Governor, Placid Njoku, called on indigenous pharmaceutical companies to utilize local medicinal plants and herbs in their drug production. With Nigeria importing over N200 billion of malaria drugs and about N600 billion of antibiotics annually, Mr. Njoku emphasized the need to reduce the country’s reliance on other nations by leveraging its resources. While the pharmaceutical subsector in Nigeria has over 100 manufacturing companies, it only serves about 30% of local medical needs, resulting in high importation of drugs and exposure to counterfeit medicines. By tapping into local herbs and reducing import dependence, the country can save billions of naira and support its pharmaceutical industry.
Imo deputy governor urges pharma companies to utilise local herbs
