PSN President Hails Geneith At 25, Says Local Drug Production Is Nigeria’s Lifeline For Medicine Security

Ikeja,  Lagos State– Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited on Saturday marked its 25th anniversary at the Orchid Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, drawing industry heavyweights, academics, and policymakers who issued a unified message: Nigeria’s pharmaceutical future depends on strengthening local drug manufacturing.

At the well-attended event, stakeholders praised Geneith’s transition from a modest marketing outfit in 2000 into a frontline pharmaceutical company with products cutting across antimalarials, antibiotics, analgesics, metabolic drugs, nutritional supplements and antifungals.

Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, the MD/CEO, recounted the company’s rise from a two-man operation to a national brand with a footprint in hospitals, pharmacies and rural markets.

He said the next 25 years will be defined by a deliberate push into manufacturing, research, and stronger quality systems.

“We have spent 25 years expanding access to essential medicines,” Umenwa said, “and the next phase of our growth prioritises local production, quality systems, and long-term sustainability.”

Pharm. Ade Popoola, CEO of Reals Pharmaceuticals Limited, called on Nigerian drug companies to abandon over-dependence on imports, warning that countries controlling global production also dictate pricing and availability.

“Nigeria has the human capital and market size to compete regionally,” he said, “and local production is key to medicine security and economic stability.”

Delivering a sobering assessment of Nigeria’s disease burden, Prof. Ighodaro Igbe of the University of Benin listed malaria, antimicrobial resistance, diabetes, neurological disorders, and fungal infections as areas demanding steady and affordable drug supply.

He stressed that only a strong domestic manufacturing base can protect Nigerians from fluctuating global markets and recurring drug shortages.

Pharm. Lizzette Njideka Ezenekwe, National Publicity Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), lamented the loss of skilled professionals and repeated disruptions caused by unstable policies and poor infrastructure.

She urged the Federal Government to prioritise accessible financing, improved power supply, and faster regulatory systems.

Mrs. Ada Cosmas, Head of HR/Admin at Geneith, said the company’s journey has been built on teamwork, discipline and a commitment to operational excellence.

She reaffirmed Geneith’s focus on people development, capacity expansion and quality-driven operations.

Reflecting on the 25-year milestone, Otunba Shajobi Taiwo, Engr. Alhaji Bello Umar, and Pharm. Dr. Kelly Nwagha said Geneith’s growth is the product of sacrifice and a culture of excellence.

“Your dedication and passion have been the heartbeat of Geneith Pharmaceuticals,” they said. “Together we’ve built a legacy of excellence and innovation, and here’s to our continued growth and the bright future ahead.”

PSN President, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, congratulated the company for its steady contributions to the sector, insisting that local drug production must become a national priority to guarantee affordability and stop recurring shortages.

“Local manufacturing should remain the priority for all Nigerian pharmaceutical companies to ensure medicine affordability, consistent supply, and public health protection,” Ayuba said.

Closing the event, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, applauded Geneith for venturing into manufacturing despite regulatory and economic headwinds, calling the decision “forward-looking, courageous and necessary for long-term drug security.”

Dignitaries at the event included former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Prof. Poly Emenike, MD of Embassy Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals Ltd; Pharm. (Sir) Nnamdi Obi; Pharm. Israel Ade-Popoola; and dozens of other industry leaders.