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Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Kano State, receives the Award of Excellence in Public Health from the National Chairman of NAIP, Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo. |
On Thursday, 9th July 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Kano State, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, received the Award of Excellence in Public Health from the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) during its 13th Annual Symposium and Business Summit, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medicine security in Kano State.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Kano State, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, was presented with the Award of Excellence in Public Health by the National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) during the 13th Annual Symposium and Business Summit of the association's Kano Zone. The prestigious recognition celebrated his unwavering commitment to strengthening the state's healthcare system, advancing policies that promote medicine security, and supporting the growth of indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Receiving the award, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf reaffirmed the Kano State Government's commitment to prioritizing the procurement of medicines manufactured locally, particularly those produced by pharmaceutical companies operating within Kano State. He explained that patronizing local manufacturers would improve the availability of essential medicines, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported pharmaceutical products.
"Supporting pharmaceutical companies within Kano State is not only an investment in healthcare but also in the economic development of our state. Local production strengthens medicine security and ensures sustainable access to quality healthcare."
Commitment to Strengthening the Medicine Supply Chain
Also addressing participants at the summit, the Director General of the Kano State Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharm. Ghali Sule, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to prioritizing quality-assured medicines manufactured by pharmaceutical companies based in Kano State. He emphasized that the agency remains focused on strengthening the medicine supply chain through efficient procurement systems, proper storage, and effective distribution of medicines to healthcare facilities across the state.
As part of these efforts, Pharm. Ghali Sule announced that the agency would commission a pharma-grade warehouse within one week of the symposium. The facility is expected to significantly improve medicine quality assurance, enhance storage standards, and ensure the efficient distribution of essential medicines throughout Kano State.
NAIP Advocates "Kano First" Procurement Policy
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NAIP Kano Zone, Pharm. Gershon Jeffrey Dashe, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory agencies to achieve sustainable medicine security.
He advocated for a "Kano First" procurement policy, encouraging government institutions to prioritize NAFDAC-approved medicines manufactured within Kano State. According to him, such a policy would strengthen local pharmaceutical production, encourage investment, and enhance access to quality medicines for residents.
"Medicine security can only be achieved through strategic collaboration between government, industry, regulators, and healthcare professionals. Supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturers is essential for building a resilient healthcare system."
Stakeholders Unite for Local Pharmaceutical Development
The symposium convened pharmacists, policymakers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators, healthcare professionals, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies for strengthening local pharmaceutical production and building a resilient medicine supply chain in Kano State and across Nigeria.
Participants explored policy frameworks, investment opportunities, regulatory support, and innovative approaches aimed at expanding local manufacturing capacity while ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and affordable medicines.
A Shared Vision for Medicine Security
The event concluded on a highly optimistic note, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the commitments and resolutions reached during the symposium would translate into actionable policies that improve access to quality medicines while accelerating the growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The recognition bestowed upon Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf underscores the growing partnership between the Kano State Government and the pharmaceutical industry. Together with the strategic initiatives championed by Pharm. Ghali Sule and the Kano State Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), the state continues to strengthen medicine security, improve healthcare delivery, and position Kano as a leading hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria.
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