An Egyptian pharmaceutical company, Utopia Pharmaceuticals, has announced plans to establish a major drug manufacturing plant in Abia State to serve Nigeria and the West African market.
The founder of the company, Mr. Kamel Muhamed, disclosed this during a meeting with Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Mr. Muhamed said the company is seeking a partnership with the Abia State Government as part of its expansion strategy across Africa, adding that the proposed facility would position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
He noted that Utopia Pharmaceuticals already operates within the framework of an existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Egyptian Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on drug registration.
According to him, the company has successfully established similar manufacturing projects in Tanzania and other African countries and is ready to replicate the model in Abia State.
He also revealed plans to introduce a pilot programme for the company’s anti-malaria products in the state.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti welcomed the investment proposal, describing local manufacturing as a key driver of his administration’s industrialisation agenda.
The governor said the state is focused on attracting investments that promote production, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and encourage technology transfer.
Governor Otti advised the investors to consider the Ukwa axis for the project, citing the area’s abundant natural gas resources, reliable electricity supply from Geometric Power and vast land suitable for industrial development.
He assured the investors of the state government’s full support and directed the Commissioner for Health to work closely with the company to facilitate the establishment of the manufacturing plant.
