The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has called on pharmaceutical manufacturers to take advantage of the country’s Free Trade Zones, highlighting Kano’s strategic potential and commitment to regulatory compliance.

The second day of the 98th Annual Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) held at Bayero University Kano (BUK) featured an address by the MD/CEO of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem through Free Trade Zone (FTZ) development.

Dr. Ogunyemi noted that over 600 companies currently operate within Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones, spanning various sectors including manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics, and services. However, he emphasized the urgent need for greater pharmaceutical presence within these zones, describing it as a critical step toward achieving national self-sufficiency in medicine production and reducing import dependence.

“We want to see more pharmaceutical companies set up in our Free Trade Zones. These zones provide a platform for efficiency, cost reduction, and global competitiveness,” Dr. Ogunyemi stated.

He highlighted Kano’s Free Trade Zone as a particularly promising hub, recalling that it was the second FTZ created in Nigeria and strategically positioned to serve both domestic and regional markets. He stressed that Kano’s industrial heritage, access to skilled manpower, and central location make it ideal for pharmaceutical investment.

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Dr. Ogunyemi also underscored the importance of regulatory compliance and quality assurance, assuring stakeholders that NEPZA works closely with relevant agencies such as NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to ensure that all operations within the zones meet international standards.

“Regulatory compliance remains at the heart of our operations. The Free Trade Zones are not a bypass but a platform for excellence — where Nigerian industries can thrive under globally accepted standards,” he said.

He further reiterated NEPZA’s commitment to ease of doing business, promising continuous reforms and infrastructure improvements to make the zones more attractive to investors.

The NEPZA boss commended the PSN for its role in national health advancement and called for stronger collaboration between the pharmaceutical community and government agencies to position Nigeria as a regional pharmaceutical hub.

The 98th PSN Annual Conference continues with technical sessions, exhibitions, and strategic discussions focused on innovation, local production, and sustainable healthcare growth.

Note: This address was delivered by Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, MD/CEO of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, on Day 2 of the 98th Annual Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, held at Bayero University Kano (BUK).