By Esther Onyegbula

The Managing Director of Colexa Biosensor Limited, Mr Kingsley Aguoru, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise local pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing as a strategic pathway to achieving healthcare security, creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

Aguoru made the call during a recent interview on Arise Television, where he commended ongoing government efforts to strengthen the pharmaceutical value chain and support indigenous manufacturers but stressed the need for greater commitment to ensure the initiatives achieve their intended objectives.

According to him, Nigeria must deliberately build a healthcare ecosystem in which local production serves as the primary driver of supply, while imports complement domestic manufacturing rather than dominate the market.

He said: “Manufacturing is the foundation of economic prosperity. It creates jobs, builds technical expertise, promotes innovation, and strengthens national self-sufficiency. Every industrialised nation built its wealth on manufacturing, and Nigeria cannot be an exception.

“No country operates without imports. Nigeria needs to have a clear and sustained strategy that gradually shifts us from a situation where we import the majority of our healthcare products to one where local manufacturing meets a significant share of national demand.”

The Colexa Biosensor boss noted that expanding local manufacturing capacity would not only improve access to healthcare products but also create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerian graduates, particularly those in science, technology and related fields.

He argued that a robust manufacturing sector would help retain skilled professionals within the country while fostering innovation and technological advancement.

Aguoru further called on policymakers to engage more closely with manufacturers and other stakeholders in the healthcare value chain to evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions and address bottlenecks limiting growth in the sector.

According to him, Nigeria possesses the necessary human capital, market potential and entrepreneurial drive to emerge as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub on the African continent if the right policies and support systems are sustained.

“Manufacturing requires significant capital, patience, and resilience. The challenge is often perception rather than quality. Nigerian manufacturers can compete effectively when given the right support and opportunities,” he said.

He maintained that achieving healthcare security would require deliberate investment in local production capabilities rather than excessive dependence on imported medical products.

“Healthcare security cannot be achieved through importation alone. We must build local capacity, support local manufacturers, and create policies that encourage long-term investment.

“If we remain committed to that path, Nigeria can become more self-reliant, create jobs, strengthen its healthcare system, and secure a healthier future for its people,” Aguoru added.