…targets import cuts
SAM Pharmaceutical Limited has opened a new high-capacity manufacturing plant in southwestern Nigeria, aiming to expand local drug production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
The facility, located in Ota, Ogun State, was inaugurated last week as the company marked its 55th anniversary, drawing senior government officials, regulators and industry leaders.
Designed to meet World Health Organization current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, the plant can produce more than 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles of liquid medicines and one million sachet-based products monthly, the company said.
As part of its 55th anniversary activities and commitment to community health, SAM Pharmaceutical also conducted a large-scale corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on the control of neglected tropical diseases. The company successfully administered deworming treatment to over 5,000 children across communities in Ogun State, contributing to improved child health outcomes and supporting national efforts in the prevention and management of soil-transmitted helminth infections.
Speaking at the event, Amit Bhojwani, the Chairman and Managing Director, described the facility as a strategic milestone in the company’s evolution.
“This ultra-modern manufacturing plant represents not just the future direction of SAM Pharmaceutical, but also the strength of the foundation we have built over the past 55 years. Our commitment to quality assurance, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory compliance remains unwavering.
“With the launch of what we term ‘SAM Pharm 2.0,’ we are positioning the company for the next phase of growth, driven by innovation, advanced formulations, and technologies tailored to meet the dynamic healthcare needs of Nigeria and the African continent”, he said.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, imports a large share of its pharmaceuticals, making local manufacturing a priority for authorities seeking to improve drug security and cut costs.
Government officials at the event, including Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Mojisola Adeyeye, Director- General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), said investments aligned with global standards are critical to strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
SAM Pharmaceutical, which has operated in Nigeria for over five decades, said further expansion lines are already planned to increase output as demand rises.
The company is one of a growing number of local manufacturers seeking to tap into policy support for domestic production, as Nigeria looks to build a more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.
