NIGERIA – The Federal Government has lauded Nigeria’s leading indigenous pharmaceutical company, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, for the indispensable role it has been playing in the nation’s pharmaceutical sector, especially with its latest ultra-modern World Health Organization (WHO) compliant factory.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi, gave the commendation on Friday when he led top officials of the ministry to Emzor’s ultra-modern WHO-compliant pharmaceutical factory, also known as Emzor Campus.

The factory is sited on more than 60 hectares of land, and is the largest pharmaceutical facility in West Africa. It is a GMP compliant factory, which is already manufacturing and supplying millions of medication doses, ranging from antimalarials, paediatric care, vitamins and antiretrovirals to various international organisations through partnerships for public health intervention.

While speaking during the visit, Abdullahi said, “I have heard so much about what Emzor has been doing, I am indeed impressed with what I saw at the factory. What Emzor is doing is in line with the focus of President Buhari’s administration. With what I have seen in the factory, there is no government that will not be happy to support the local companies that are doing great things as this to succeed.”

Earlier in her remarks, the Managing Director of the company, Dr Stella Chinyelu Okoli, reiterated that the organisation will continue to provide quality medicines to Nigerians and Africans at large. She expressed appreciation to all Nigerians and the ministry of health for their visit to the new factory.

While giving an overview of the company’s vision in brief remark, the Executive Director of the company, Uzoma Ezeoke pointed out that the vision of the organisation is not just to be a leader in Nigeria but to be a leader in all African countries.

Our vision is to lead the Nigeria pharmaceutical sector which we are doing now but we want to extend the lead to all African nations. Nigeria contribute about 27% of malaria cases recorded in Africa, Emzor is responding to this development by producing various products to fight the disease. Our whole idea is to keep doing new things. Everything we are doing hang on quality and that is why we have WHO compliant certificate” he said.

Founded about four decades ago by Dr Okoli, OON, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has been committed to the manufacturing of high-quality essential medicines in several therapeutic categories, particularly those that address the leading causes of maternal and child mortality.

Emzor is the largest indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country with over 120 products, all NAFDAC approved. Emzor is an official sponsor of the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and other national football teams.

The company recently rallied their support to the pharmaceutical manufacturing blueprint being championed by Bloom Public Health, acknowledging the anticipated positive impact this will have on Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.