Lagos plans free zone for drugs manufacturing

Lagos plans free zone for drugs manufacturing

Lagos State Government has concluded plans to establish a medical free trade zone to bolster local production of pharmaceutical products.

The zone will also drive the creation of industrial and innovation hubs for the health and related sectors.

Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who broke news at a three-day Pharma West Africa Exhibition in Lagos, said the creation of the zone had become compelling.

He said the state government is deepening partnership with regulators, manufacturers and other players in the pharmaceutical industry to create an enabling environment for local producers and startups.

Abayomi said the ambitious project is one way the state government alongside other players could reverse the adverse ratio of drug importation.

He said the state government is committed to ensuring that the right steps were taken to achieve production of drugs to meet indigenous needs as the supra national entity to meet the health care needs of the 25 million residents of the state.

Abayomi spoke of plans to engage regulators, including the National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Ports Authority, to drive the project.