By Our Correspondent
National News – Stakeholders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector have raised alarm that the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran could soon trigger shortages of essential medicines across the country.
Experts warn that disruptions in global supply chains, rising oil prices and foreign exchange pressures may affect the availability and affordability of drugs relied upon by millions of Nigerians.
Industry leaders say Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported medicines makes the country particularly vulnerable to global geopolitical crises.
According to data from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, about 70 per cent of essential medicines used in Nigeria are imported, while local production accounts for only around 30 per cent for a population exceeding 230 million people.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers explained that while many companies are currently absorbing rising production costs, prolonged disruption in shipping routes and logistics could lead to higher drug prices and supply shortages.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, the critical raw materials used to produce medicines, are mostly sourced from India and China and transported through global routes that may be affected by instability in the Middle East.
Experts note that higher freight charges, increased insurance costs and rising fuel prices linked to the conflict could eventually cascade through the pharmaceutical supply chain.
This may ultimately push retail drug prices higher, particularly for medications used to treat chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and other long-term conditions.
Pharmacists also warned that delays in the importation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients could weaken local drug manufacturing capacity, leading to scarcity of essential medicines.
They added that Nigeria’s reliance on imported raw materials exposes the country to supply disruptions whenever global tensions affect international trade routes.
Healthcare professionals stressed that prolonged shortages or rising costs could force many Nigerians to delay seeking medical care, worsening health outcomes and increasing the risk of complications from untreated illnesses.
Stakeholders therefore urged the Federal Government to invest heavily in local pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthen health supply chains.
They also recommended building regional stockpiles of vaccines, antibiotics and essential medicines to safeguard healthcare delivery during global crises.
Experts say developing a stronger domestic pharmaceutical sector will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and improve the country’s preparedness for future global disruptions.
