The Edo State Government has announced plans to commence the local production of essential drugs by 2026, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this during an inspection of the Central Medical Stores, which is managed by the Edo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency (DMA). Represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reviving the long-dormant Edo Pharmaceutical Company.
According to a statement by the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, the governor said the initiative aims to curb medical tourism and reduce the cost of healthcare in the state and across the South-South region. He recalled that facilities at both the Central Medical Stores and the pharmaceutical company were vandalized during the EndSARS protest in 2020 but assured that the government was determined to restore them for productive use.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that Edo will fully leverage the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) to attract investments, boost local drug manufacturing, and expand private sector participation in the health sector.
“The governor is deeply committed to the well-being of Edo people,” Idahosa noted. “Our visit was to assess the facilities, identify areas needing urgent attention, and ensure that all supplied drugs are safe and effective for public use.”
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, who also accompanied the team, explained that the drug management agency was established to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. He revealed that the state is adopting a pooled procurement system that allows for bulk purchases across the 36 states, which helps to drastically lower drug prices.
Oshiomhole added that both federal medical centers and private pharmacies will benefit from the new system, describing it as a win-win for all stakeholders. He further disclosed that the state is collaborating with the Federal Government to restart the production of key medicines such as Panadol, antimalarials, and other essential drugs as part of its 2026 operational plan.
