By Victoria Ojeme

ABUJA- The federal Government, Tuesday, endorsed production of condoms locally in the country.

Government gave the endorsement when the chief executive officer of a pharmaceutical company, which has concluded plans to begin condom production in the country, visited Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.

Beyond giving its endorsement, the government also pledged to extend all necessary co-operation to the company to see to the realisation of the project.

The minister noted that the initiative aligned with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking earlier, Managing Director of the pharmaceutical company, Alhaji Ibrahim Saliu, said the company intended to instal an annual 850 million condom capacity manufacturing plant in Kaduna State.

He stated further that the initiative would be in partnership with a foreign company, with track record of quality and integrity.

Saliu explained that the dream will become operational in twelve months, adding that the project will provide jobs opportunities for hundred of Nigerians apart from the positive impact on the reproductive health in the country.

“Our target is to make good quality and safe condoms readily available and affordable to Nigerians by bringing down the unit price by over 50 per cent,” he added.