Sam Pharmaceutical Limited has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in southwestern Nigeria, significantly expanding local drug production capacity as the country intensifies efforts to reduce dependence on imported medicines.
The plant, situated in Ota, Ogun State, complies with World Health Organisation Good Manufacturing Practice standards and was financed with support from First City Monument Bank and the Bank of Industry.
According to the company in a statement on Sunday, the facility has the capacity to produce over 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles of syrup, and one million pouches on a monthly basis.
Nigeria has increasingly prioritised the development of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly following supply chain disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the risks associated with heavy reliance on imported medical products.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on April 8, the Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, stated that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s objective of strengthening local pharmaceutical production and reducing import dependency.
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the facility is expected to drive job creation and stimulate economic activities within the state while also improving access to essential medicines.
Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the new facility as evidence of increasing compliance with international standards in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First City Monument Bank, Yemisi Edun, disclosed that the bank supported the project through a N3bn term loan provided in partnership with the Bank of Industry, in addition to over N3.2bn in working capital financing.
She explained that the funding underscores the bank’s commitment to promoting local manufacturing and strengthening key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Sam Pharmaceuticals Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Amit Bhojwani said the new facility would enhance production capacity and strengthen the company’s position in Nigeria’s branded generics market.
Founded in 1971, Sam Pharmaceutical Limited produces more than 120 medicines approved by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration, and Control, and operates facilities in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Ogun State.
