In a controversial statement that could ignite debate within the pharmaceutical industry, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, has attributed the recent surge in drug prices to the “prolonged presence” of multinational pharmaceutical companies in the country.
Addressing the issue during the inauguration of the Federal Medical Centre Clinical Complex in Lagos on Thursday, Alausa claimed that the current system, allowing foreign companies to operate beyond five years in Nigeria, contributes to the price hike. He hinted at potential changes to address this, stating that “the problem will be remedied, and the regular procedure will be resumed.”
He stated, “Concerning the issue of drug prices in the country, we have been having sleepless nights and we are here to solve it.
“One major issue we have in the county is that we allow multinational pharmaceutical companies to stay in the country for too long.
“The normal duration for pharmaceutical companies to stay in the country is five years but we have allowed these companies to stay here for over twenty years and more and we need to change that. They have not contributed to the development of the country.”
However, Alausa’s remarks remain unclear in terms of what the “regular procedure” entails and what specific actions would be taken to regulate foreign companies’ presence.
The minister’s statement comes amidst growing public anxiety over the sharp increase in drug prices, which has significantly impacted Nigerians’ ability to afford essential medicines. While some experts acknowledge the complex interplay of factors influencing drug costs, including currency fluctuations and global supply chain disruptions, Alausa’s singular focus on foreign companies raises concerns about potential oversimplification of the issue.
