In a significant stride toward bolstering Africa’s pharmaceutical sector, AMA Pharmaceuticals has unveiled its second pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, signaling a strategic move to meet healthcare demands beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of AMA’s medical manufacturing plant in Kaduna State.
AMA Medical, an indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Nigeria, operates in phases. Its initial phase established a state-of-the-art production plant utilising European technology, particularly AFFS (Automatic Form Fill Seal) technology. This technology, featuring advanced machinery, produces high-quality intravenous solutions (IV fluids) at affordable costs, significantly reducing pediatric wastage by introducing 250ml formats for normal saline, 4.3 percent dextrose saline and 5 per cent dextrose, a first in West Africa.
With a current capacity of 10 million pouches annually and plans for expansion, AMA aims to swiftly penetrate the West African Market and leverage the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.
Okonjo-Iweala stated that this expansion aligns with the Nigerian government’s initiative to enhance local pharmaceutical production and equipment manufacturing. She commended AMA’s expansion, hailing it as a significant step towards bolstering economic growth, healthcare self-sufficiency and regional cooperation in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry. She underscored the project’s role in reducing import dependency, strengthening the local healthcare value chain and fostering economic growth as per President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda.
The director-general highlighted the project’s broader significance, emphasising its potential to improve healthcare access across Africa. “The reason we are excited about this project is not only about producing for Nigeria but also producing for Africans. So, it’s about trade,” she remarked, underscoring the initiative’s trade-oriented approach.
Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima said that in light of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a growing recognition of the importance of prioritising national health security. Shettima, who was represented by his adviser on public health, Dr. Uju Rochas-Anwukah said that the establishment of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility with European technology underscored the need for a robust health infrastructure that can respond effectively to health emergencies and ensure the country’s healthcare resilience.
Furthermore, he said that the expansion of AMA’s pharmaceutical facility was expected to create job opportunities and empower the youth in Nigeria. “Investing in the manufacturing sector will engage the talents and skills of the country’s citizens, contributing to economic growth and national development.
“The move towards technological advancements and innovation, particularly in stem cell production and in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs), vaccines and biologicals, demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a hub for cutting-edge healthcare technologies in Africa.
“The establishment of a manufacturing plant of this scale not only benefits Nigeria but also offers salvation to other African nations, particularly in West Africa, by easing their access to the Nigerian market and fostering regional collaboration and partnerships,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, said the construction of the second phase of the AMA medical manufacturing plant was set to boost the Federal Government’s drive in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and equipment locally.
Also speaking, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate said that the government of President Tinubu has recently launched a new initiative called “Unlocking the value chain” in an effort to address health emergencies in the state.
Pate said that this initiative aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health sector by streamlining processes and improving coordination between different stakeholders.
“The “Unlocking the value chain” initiative will focus on improving access to healthcare services, strengthening the healthcare system and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers.
“By identifying and addressing bottlenecks in the value chain, the government hopes to improve the overall quality of healthcare in the state and ensure that Nigerians receive the care they need in a timely manner.
Chairman of AMA Investment Holdings, Mr. Musa Bello outlined the objectives of the second phase, which include establishing solid formulations for oral dosages and venturing into stem cell and blood product manufacturing.
Bello noted ongoing discussions with foreign investors regarding in-itro diagnostics (IVDs), vaccines and biologicals.
He said the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the country’s healthcare value chain.
He highlighted AMA’s expansion as a strategic move toward achieving economic self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals and bio-industry, reducing import dependency, strengthening the local healthcare value chain and promoting economic growth.
