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Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a leading indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturer founded and led by Nigerian businesswoman Stella Okoli, is pressing ahead with a $23-million Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, that aims to cut Nigeria’s reliance on imported drugs and secure a more resilient supply chain.
The plant, billed as the first dedicated API facility in sub-Saharan Africa, will initially produce antimalarial inputs before expanding into HIV/AIDS antiretrovirals and other essential medicines.
Nigeria pushes for drug independence
Emzor expects the Sagamu site to begin operations in early 2026, after revising its initial 2024 target due to fiscal and regulatory headwinds. The company said more than 90 percent of civil works are complete, critical equipment has been installed, and its in-house R&D lab has already synthesized five antimalarial APIs in preparation for full-scale production.
Nigeria, which accounts for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of deaths, underscores the urgency of local drug manufacturing. “This facility is a bold step toward medicine security for Nigeria and West Africa,” said Kunle Faloye, Emzor’s head of marketing and strategy. “It will strengthen local capacity while improving affordability and access to essential drugs.”
Financing and partnerships
For founder Stella Okoli, the project also represents a broader vision. “With government support, Nigerian pharma can lead Africa toward medicine security,” she said. The €13.85 million ($16.21 million) European Investment Bank loan and partnerships with India’s Mangalam Drugs & Organics and the API for Africa initiative are providing financing, technology transfer, and expertise for the project.
Emzor also redeemed its N5.13 billion ($3.36 million) debut commercial paper on August 18, 2025, maintaining an A- credit rating and reinforcing its financial discipline. Policy support is boosting the expansion. Nigeria has granted a two-year waiver on duties and VAT for raw materials, while President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria-First” directive compels ministries to prioritize local goods. Analysts say the measures will enhance Emzor’s competitiveness in tenders and ease pressure on the naira.
From pharmacy to continental footprint
Founded in 1984, Emzor has grown from Okoli’s modest Lagos pharmacy into one of Nigeria’s largest drugmakers, with more than 200 registered products spanning analgesics, antibiotics, vitamins, and antimalarials. The company operates multiple plants and exports to West Africa, including Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Emzor has expanded into nutrition. In 2023, its food and beverages subsidiary partnered with USAID to launch a medical-grade groundnut paste facility, producing therapeutic food for malnourished children and supporting local farmers. Emzor’s push into APIs reflects Nigeria’s wider drive for drug independence.
