Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has urged for a complete halt in the importation of needles and syringes to promote local production and boost the nation’s economy.
According to a statement on Sunday signed by Sayo Akintola, the Resident Media Consultant of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Alausa made this statement during his visit to the Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited Syringe factory in Ogun State.
The statement mentioned that Alausa visited the factory with Mrs Doris Uzo-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, and the United Nations Deputy Secretary General.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to supporting the local manufacturing sector to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.
He affirmed that the restructuring of syringe and needle production in Nigeria is aimed at ensuring the availability of high-quality products made by Nigerians to create job opportunities for the citizens.
The minister urged NAFDAC to ensure that uncontrolled syringe importation does not hinder the growth of the local industry through unfair competition.
He stated, “Do not grant them further authorization for importation. We need to safeguard the local industry through the backward integration model to enhance local capacity.”
NAFDAC DG also stressed the need for a comprehensive approach by relevant government agencies to address the issue of substandard falsified medical devices entering the country through the ports.
She mentioned that the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has been instructed to support local syringe manufacturers to create job opportunities for Nigerians by expanding the operations of Nigerian manufacturing companies.
Adeyeye revealed that the NPHCDA received the last import order in December 2023.
“However, for the local manufacturers, we are working closely with our syringe companies to rectify any issues in their operations,” she said.
Mr Mofid Karameh, the Chairman of Mikano International, the parent company of Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited, stated that the company aims to transform the industry and position Nigeria as the leading hub in Africa.
Akin Oyediran, the Managing Director of Afrimedical, highlighted the company’s plans to produce high-quality syringes not only for Nigeria but also for neighboring countries.
