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Health
Edo to revive drug production in 2026, aims to end medical tourism
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
05 Nov 2025 05:30 AM
Benin, Edo – The Edo State government has announced ambitious plans to revive the long-dormant Edo Pharmaceutical Company, with production of essential drugs set to resume by 2026.
This initiative, unveiled during an inspection of the Central Medical Stores and the pharmaceutical facility in Benin on Tuesday, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s healthcare system and curb the widespread practice of medical tourism among Nigerians.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, emphasized that the revival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to boost local pharmaceutical production and ensure affordable healthcare for citizens.
The governor highlighted the state’s determination to repurpose the facility, which was vandalized during the 2020 EndSARS protests, into a hub for manufacturing essential medicines for Edo residents and the broader South-South region.
“We are passionate about the welfare of our people,” Governor Okpebholo stated during the inspection, adding, “Edo is desirous of putting this facility to good use through the production of essential drugs. This will not only reduce the cost of medical care but also curb medical tourism.”
The state government plans to tap into the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), a federal program designed to attract investment, promote local manufacturing of medical products, and enhance private-sector participation in healthcare delivery.
The initiative is expected to facilitate the production of critical drugs, including paracetamol, antimalarials, and antibiotics, starting in 2026.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, who accompanied the governor on the visit, detailed how the Edo Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency will play a pivotal role.
The agency is set to participate in a national pooled procurement system, allowing states to purchase drugs in bulk at significantly reduced prices sometimes below factory rates.
“When states buy in bulk, the cost of drugs drops significantly,” Dr. Oshiomhole explained, noting, “This means that Federal Medical Centres, private hospitals, and pharmacies will source their drugs from Edo, making it a win-win for everyone, especially the poor.”
The commissioner also revealed that the 2026 health plan will include partnerships with the federal government to revive local drug manufacturing, aligning with the PVAC scheme. This move is anticipated to create jobs, ensure a steady supply of quality medicines, and generate revenue for the state.
The Edo Pharmaceutical Company, abandoned for years, suffered significant damage during the 2020 EndSARS protests. However, the governor assured that plans are underway to rehabilitate the facility and make it operational again.
During the inspection, officials confirmed that drugs currently supplied to the state’s medical stores are in good condition, with valid manufacturing and expiration dates, ensuring safety for public use.
Pharmacist (Dr.) Kenny Okojie, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, reiterated the government’s commitment to quality control.
He noted that expired drugs are promptly removed from stores and that the revival of the pharmaceutical company would support existing programs, such as free malaria testing and treatment across government hospitals.
The initiative comes amid growing national efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on medical tourism, a practice that sees many citizens seeking treatment abroad due to inadequate local healthcare infrastructure.
By producing affordable drugs locally, Edo State hopes to lower healthcare costs and retain funds that would otherwise be spent overseas.
“This will form a key part of our 2026 annual health plan,” Dr. Oshiomhole added, signaling a long-term vision for healthcare self-sufficiency.
As the state moves forward with this project, stakeholders are optimistic that it will not only transform Edo’s healthcare landscape but also set a precedent for other states in Nigeria.
This initiative, unveiled during an inspection of the Central Medical Stores and the pharmaceutical facility in Benin on Tuesday, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s healthcare system and curb the widespread practice of medical tourism among Nigerians.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, emphasized that the revival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to boost local pharmaceutical production and ensure affordable healthcare for citizens.
The governor highlighted the state’s determination to repurpose the facility, which was vandalized during the 2020 EndSARS protests, into a hub for manufacturing essential medicines for Edo residents and the broader South-South region.
“We are passionate about the welfare of our people,” Governor Okpebholo stated during the inspection, adding, “Edo is desirous of putting this facility to good use through the production of essential drugs. This will not only reduce the cost of medical care but also curb medical tourism.”
The state government plans to tap into the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), a federal program designed to attract investment, promote local manufacturing of medical products, and enhance private-sector participation in healthcare delivery.
The initiative is expected to facilitate the production of critical drugs, including paracetamol, antimalarials, and antibiotics, starting in 2026.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, who accompanied the governor on the visit, detailed how the Edo Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency will play a pivotal role.
The agency is set to participate in a national pooled procurement system, allowing states to purchase drugs in bulk at significantly reduced prices sometimes below factory rates.
“When states buy in bulk, the cost of drugs drops significantly,” Dr. Oshiomhole explained, noting, “This means that Federal Medical Centres, private hospitals, and pharmacies will source their drugs from Edo, making it a win-win for everyone, especially the poor.”
The commissioner also revealed that the 2026 health plan will include partnerships with the federal government to revive local drug manufacturing, aligning with the PVAC scheme. This move is anticipated to create jobs, ensure a steady supply of quality medicines, and generate revenue for the state.
The Edo Pharmaceutical Company, abandoned for years, suffered significant damage during the 2020 EndSARS protests. However, the governor assured that plans are underway to rehabilitate the facility and make it operational again.
During the inspection, officials confirmed that drugs currently supplied to the state’s medical stores are in good condition, with valid manufacturing and expiration dates, ensuring safety for public use.
Pharmacist (Dr.) Kenny Okojie, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, reiterated the government’s commitment to quality control.
He noted that expired drugs are promptly removed from stores and that the revival of the pharmaceutical company would support existing programs, such as free malaria testing and treatment across government hospitals.
The initiative comes amid growing national efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on medical tourism, a practice that sees many citizens seeking treatment abroad due to inadequate local healthcare infrastructure.
By producing affordable drugs locally, Edo State hopes to lower healthcare costs and retain funds that would otherwise be spent overseas.
“This will form a key part of our 2026 annual health plan,” Dr. Oshiomhole added, signaling a long-term vision for healthcare self-sufficiency.
As the state moves forward with this project, stakeholders are optimistic that it will not only transform Edo’s healthcare landscape but also set a precedent for other states in Nigeria.
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