NAIP Breaks Ground on Pharmaceutical Research Centre in Anambra

Esther Oluku

The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, officially commenced construction of a state-of-the-art Research Centre at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The groundbreaking, led by Chief (Dr.) U.N.O. Uwaga and graced by HRM Igwe Ezechuamagha I of Ogidi Kingdom as Guest of Honour, marked a major step in NAIP’s strategic plan to establish research facilities across Nigeria’s major pharmaceutical hubs—Anambra, Lagos, and Kano.

These centres are expected to enhance quality assurance, improve pharmaceutical distribution, and reinforce Nigeria’s reputation in global healthcare markets.

Speaking at the event, NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Government for its support. “We are deeply thankful to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for donating this land. This project is critical to addressing drug insecurity and promoting organised pharmaceutical practices,” he said.

The event drew a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including past Presidents of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) such as Pharm. (Sir) Azubuike Okwor, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, Pharm. Anthony Akhimien, and Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga. Also present were government officials and pharmaceutical leaders such as Pharm. Dr. Oby Uchebo, Permanent Secretary of the Anambra Ministry of Health; Pharm. Chisom Uchem, Executive Director of the Anambra Primary Healthcare Development Agency; and Pharm. Kene Igweagu, MD of Rugal Pharmaceuticals.

Representatives of NAIP branches from Anambra and Delta, along with other dignitaries, reaffirmed their support for the project, which is set to include advanced quality testing laboratories, temperature-controlled storage for sensitive medicines, and modern conference facilities for training and collaborative research.

According to Pharm. Ezebuilo, the centre will not only ensure compliance with national and international drug standards but also serve as a hub for innovation and skill development in the pharmaceutical industry. “This infrastructure will strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical capacity and foster a new era of excellence,” he added.

With construction now underway, NAIP’s research centre in Anambra stands as a bold commitment to improving medicine safety, access, and the professional development of pharmaceutical practitioners nationwide.