The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has announced plans to promote new biopharmaceutical technologies in Nigeria.
The agency made this known following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with La Shipson Pharmaceuticals Limited, a drug manufacturing company.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mrs. Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Prof. Mustapha said the partnership would focus on the production of HIV antiretroviral drugs and other essential medications within Nigeria.
He added that the project would create job opportunities, generate wealth, and improve healthcare service delivery across the country.
“By positioning our country as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation, we are taking significant steps toward reducing our reliance on foreign drug imports. The enhancement of our laboratory infrastructure, coupled with technology transfer and capacity building, will invigorate indigenous capacity in essential drug and vaccine production,” said the NBRDA Director-General.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of La Shipson Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Mr. Godiya Shipi emphasized the importance of local production in addressing healthcare gaps in Nigeria.
NBRDA Board Chairman, Mr. Handsome Momoh said the partnership would help bridge critical healthcare gaps caused by the withdrawal of international aid for HIV antiretroviral and other essential medications.
“By localizing production, the partnership will ensure access to life-saving drugs while empowering the local workforce. As part of this collaboration, La Shipson will begin producing HIV and other related drugs at NBRDA, where staff members will also engage in research and analysis,” he added.
“NBRDA and La Shipson Pharmaceuticals are poised to lead Nigeria toward a more self-sufficient and innovative healthcare future, ensuring that critical medications are produced locally and made accessible to Nigerians,” he concluded.
