By Prince Okafor

Nigeria indigenous pharmaceutical company, May & Baker Plc, has expressed its readiness for the opportunities and challenges limiting companies in the country.

This is coming against the backdrop of pharmaceutical companies exiting the country over what they attributed to foreign exchange difficulties along with unfriendly economic environment.

Vanguard had reported that some pharmaceutical like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) discontinued operations in Nigeria in August 2023, ending its 51-year existence in the country, while French manufacturing company, Sanofi, exited Nigeria in November of same year.

However, speaking during May & Baker Plc, press briefing on its 80th anniversary, the company’s Managing Director, Patrick Ajah stated that they are celebrating not only their past achievements but also the promise of what is yet to come.

He said “We are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and we remain steadfast in our mission to create a healthier future for all.

“Throughout the years, we have faced numerous challenges and overcome countless obstacles, but through it all, we have remained steadfast in our dedication to excellence.

“Our success has been driven by an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, a passion for research and development, and a dedication to improving patient outcomes despite challenges of the operating environment.

“We have risen to the occasion in recent times to respond to key health challenges as in the case of Ebola and Covid-19, with the fast introduction of the Smartans hand sanitizer to help fight these pandemics.

“Today, we stand at the forefront of an industry that is constantly evolving. We are proud of our past achievements, but we are even more excited about the future.

“Our continued investment in research and development, our focus on harnessing cutting-edge technologies, and our commitment to collaboration and partnerships will guide us as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

“Our success can be attributed to the hard work, passion, and ingenuity of our employees, whose unwavering commitment to our mission has been the cornerstone of our achievements.
We are marking this anniversary for three main reasons.

“80 is a landmark age and deserves to be celebrated. Secondly, this company has during these long years saved the lives of millions of Nigerians through its quality efficacious medicines and the thirdly, this is the time May & Baker has come full circle – growing from a foreign tutelage and ownership to a wholly indigenous player and is now heading back to global focus which is a significant new beginning for us.”

He added that it is a privilege for him as the Managing Director to reflect on the remarkable journey they have undertaken over these past eight decades.

“It is with great pride and immense gratitude that we commemorate our 80th anniversary (on the 4th of September 2024), and as one of our most important partners, we have invited you as the first group of stakeholders to be briefed on the activities to mark the 80th anniversary celebration of our dear company May & Baker Nig. Plc

“In commemoration of this 80th anniversary, we have decided to give back to society through some projects in key areas of need including donation of a borehole to Egusi Ota community in Ogun state, renovation of some Charity homes within the Lagos environs and helping some indigent but very brilliant students in some Schools to cover their tuition fees especially at their final year.

“The projects kick off today with the commissioning of the newly renovated pavement walk and walls within Modupe Cole Memorial child care and treatment home in Akoka, Lagos state. While donation of the borehole will be done tomorrow in Ota Ogun State.

“In the same vein of giving back to the society, on Wednesday September 4, we shall visit four charity homes in Lagos and Ogun States with products and other gifts. That way we hope to touch the lives of some less privileged ones; a cause we have committed to for some years now and will continue to do as God gives us grace,” Ajah added.

The company began an expansion and diversification programme in 2005 which gave rise to the creation of new businesses and subsidiaries. In 2005, Biovaccines, a local vaccine production subsidiary was set up in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

They constructed a multi-billion naira food processing factory the Mimi Noodles in 2006.
Then in 2008, we commenced construction of The Pharma Centre, a World Health Organisation Standard Pharmaceutical production facility which was completed and commissioned on June 27, 2011 and has capacity to produce 6 billion tablets and 37.5million bottles of liquid preparations per annum for a range of over 80 products.