Sam Pharmaceutical Limited has inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Ota, Ogun State, marking a significant expansion of Nigeria’s local drug‑production capacity. The facility, built to World Health Organization (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, was financed through a ₦3 billion term loan from First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI), together with more than ₦3.2 billion in working capital.
The Ota plant can produce upwards of 400 million tablets, 50 million capsules, two million bottles of syrup and one million pouches each month, according to Sam Pharmaceuticals. The increased output is expected to bolster the supply of branded generics and other essential medicines within the domestic market.
The commissioning on 8 April was attended by Minister of State for Health Adekunle Salako, who highlighted the project’s alignment with the government’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported pharmaceuticals. “Expanding local manufacturing is a priority for the health sector, and this facility demonstrates concrete progress toward that goal,” he said.
Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako‑Oyedele emphasized the plant’s potential to generate employment and stimulate the state’s economy. Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that the facility reflects growing compliance with international quality standards among Nigerian pharmaceutical producers.
FCMB’s Managing Director and CEO Yemisi Edun explained that the bank’s financing package underscores its commitment to supporting local manufacturing and strengthening critical sectors of the economy. “Our partnership with the Bank of Industry enables Sam Pharmaceuticals to scale up production and meet rising demand for affordable medicines,” Edun said.
Sam Pharmaceuticals Chairman and CEO Amit Bhojwani said the new factory positions the company to capture a larger share of the nation’s branded generic market. Founded in 1971, Sam Pharmaceutical now markets more than 120 NAFDAC‑approved products and operates additional sites in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Ogun State.
Nigeria’s drive to expand domestic pharmaceutical capacity stems from supply‑chain disruptions experienced during the COVID‑19 pandemic, which revealed vulnerabilities in the country’s reliance on imported medicines. By increasing local production, the government aims to improve drug accessibility, create jobs and enhance resilience against future health‑crisis shocks.
The Ota plant’s launch represents a concrete step toward these objectives, signalling both private‑sector confidence and public‑sector support for a more self‑sufficient pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.
