SAM Pharma’s Big Bet on Local Manufacturing 

With a new manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, Sam Pharma is reaffirming its commitment to quality, regulatory compliance and healthcare advancement in Nigeria, Vanessa Obioha reports 

After more than five decades in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, SAM Pharmaceutical Limited has expanded its production footprint with the commissioning of a new manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State.

Inaugurated on April 8, 2026, the unveiling drew a cross-section of stakeholders from government, regulatory agencies, and the private sector. Among those present were Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; Consul General of India, Mr. C. Kannan; and representatives of key professional bodies such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). Traditional leaders and private sector stakeholders were also in attendance.

Designed in line with World Health Organisation current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, the new plant is expected to significantly increase the company’s production capacity. According to the company, the facility can produce over 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles of liquid formulations, and one million sachet-based products monthly. with additional expansion plans already underway.

The development comes at a time when Nigeria continues to push for increased local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports and improve access to essential medicines for its over 200 million population.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chairman and Managing Director of SAM Pharmaceutical, Amit Bhojwani, described the new facility as a milestone in the company’s evolution, linking its past achievements with its future ambitions.

“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,” he said. “Our commitment to quality assurance, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory compliance remains unwavering.”

He noted that with the launch of what the company terms ‘SAM Pharm 2.0,’ the company is positioning itself for the next phase of growth, driven by advanced formulations and evolving healthcare needs across Nigeria and the broader African market.

“This WHO cGMP-compliant facility, developed in alignment with global best practices, underscores our readiness to compete at the highest levels and reinforces the message that ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ pharmaceutical products can meet and exceed international standards.”

“The presence today of esteemed, high-ranking government officials and industry leaders is deeply encouraging,” he continued. “It not only strengthens my resolve to do more, but also serves as a powerful signal to a new generation of entrepreneurs like me that with the support and confidence of our leaders, we too can take bold steps toward building impactful, enduring enterprises.”

Beyond the commissioning, the company used the occasion of its anniversary to highlight its involvement in public health interventions. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, it conducted a deworming programme targeting over 5,000 children in communities across Ogun.

The initiative addresses neglected tropical diseases, particularly soil-transmitted helminth infections, which remain a public health concern in many parts of Nigeria, especially among children. Health experts have consistently noted that such interventions, when scaled, can significantly improve child health outcomes and support broader national health goals.

SAM Pharmaceutical’s trajectory reflects the evolution of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector over the past five decades—from a market largely dependent on imports to one gradually building local capacity, albeit with persistent challenges.

Founded in the early years of Nigeria’s post-independence industrialisation, the company has operated across both human and veterinary medicine, maintaining a presence through periods of economic volatility and policy shifts. Its continued expansion, therefore, speaks to the broader possibilities within the sector if supported by the right mix of investment, regulation, and infrastructure.

The inauguation event concluded with a celebratory cocktail reception at the Lagos Continental Hotel, bringing together stakeholders for an evening of networking and entertainment. Guests were treated to live performances, including a headline appearance by Afrobeats artist Ladipoe, alongside cultural showcases and interactive performances.