Pharma West Africa Leaders Club: Driving Progress and Innovation in Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Industry

The Pharma West Africa (PWA) Leaders Club has held two highly successful events, marking significant progress in its mission to transform Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. The first event, held on June 12, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, officially launched the Leaders Club. This exclusive gathering of 30 influential industry leaders was formed to tackle critical issues, foster collaboration, and position Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry for global prominence. Notable attendees included His Excellency, Senator Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Sardaunan Kano, and Former Governor of Kano State, who served as Special Guest of Honour.

The Leaders Club was established with key objectives such as fostering industry collaboration, strengthening the PWA exhibition as Nigeria’s premier pharmaceutical event, and hosting quarterly meetings led by expert speakers to address the industry's pressing challenges. Additional goals include promoting local manufacturing, ensuring representation across the sector, and shaping the agenda for future Pharma West Africa conferences. The Club also aims to bring international perspectives into the discussions and encourage collaboration across ECOWAS countries to boost regional pharmaceutical development.

The second event, held on September 3, 2024, at the Radisson Hotel in Lagos, gathered key industry stakeholders to discuss challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess, delivered an impactful presentation on key government policies, such as the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. These initiatives are designed to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system, focusing on improving access to quality care and supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Njide stressed the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the government to ensure these reforms lead to improved health outcomes for Nigerians.

Pharm Ahmed I. Yakasai, mni, FPSN, FNAPharm, FCPharm, FNIM (Kachallan Kano), Chairman of the Pharma West Africa Conference and Leaders Club, and former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, addressed the challenges the pharmaceutical industry faces, including regulatory hurdles and supply chain disruptions. He emphasized the need for industry leaders to focus on fostering innovation, supporting local manufacturing, and ensuring equitable access to quality medicines. Pharm Ahmed I. Yakasai called on stakeholders to prioritize the human impact of their work, while investing in research, capacity building, and the development of future leaders within the sector.

In his closing remarks, Pharm Ahmed I. Yakasai extended an invitation to the 2025 Pharma West Africa Conference and Exhibition, which will take place from March 18-20, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. This major event is expected to gather pharmaceutical professionals from across West Africa, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and showcasing advancements in the industry.

As part of its commitment to continuous progress, the Leaders Club will host quarterly meetings to ensure ongoing dialogue, address emerging issues, and maintain momentum in driving positive change. These meetings will be a vital mechanism for fostering collaboration among key players and promoting innovative solutions for the sector’s challenges.

The Pharma West Africa Leaders Club is rapidly establishing itself as a critical platform for driving collaboration, innovation, and policy advocacy in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. With the support of industry leaders like Pharm Ahmed I. Yakasai and experts like Njide, the Club is making strides in promoting local manufacturing, engaging with global markets, and aligning with national healthcare policies. These efforts are setting the stage for a more resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria.