National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development

24/10/2026

08/10/2026

NIPRD SCIENTIST WINS NASENI INNOVATION GRANT TO
TRANSFORM AGRICULTURAL WASTE INTO PHARMACEUTICAL SOLUTIONS

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has recorded another milestone in indigenous pharmaceutical research with the award of a prestigious National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Innovation Grant to Pharm. Isaac Johnson Ajeh, a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Research and Development (PT&RMD).
The award was presented at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, at an event where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by the Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing science, technology, innovation and locally developed solutions to national challenges.
Pharm. Ajeh’s award-winning project, titled “Valorization of Musa paradisiaca Waste: Development of a Standardized High-Potency Effervescent Antioxidant Granules,” seeks to convert discarded plantain peels into standardized, high-value pharmaceutical products.
The innovative project addresses both the environmental challenges posed by agricultural waste and the need for affordable, locally developed health solutions. Preliminary research at NIPRD indicates that plantain peels contain valuable bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids and natural antioxidants.
With the support of the NASENI grant, the 18-month project will advance the research through pilot-scale production, stability and quality assessments, microbiological testing and in-vivo bioavailability studies, with the long-term objective of moving the innovation towards industrial application.
The Ag. Director-General/CEO of NIPRD, Prof. Philip Builders, congratulated Pharm. Ajeh on the achievement, describing the award as a demonstration of the creativity, competence and commitment of NIPRD scientists to addressing national challenges through research and innovation.
Prof. Builders urged other scientists at the Institute to emulate Pharm. Ajeh by pursuing innovative, impactful and commercially viable research capable of contributing to pharmaceutical self-reliance, economic development and improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The Ag. DG reaffirmed NIPRD’s commitment to supporting research that promotes waste-to-wealth initiatives, local pharmaceutical production, environmental sustainability and reduced dependence on imported pharmaceutical products.
The achievement further strengthens NIPRD’s position as a leading centre for pharmaceutical research and development and underscores its contribution to Nigeria’s drive for health security, local manufacturing and science-driven economic transformation.


Ridwanu Musa Maishanu
Head, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Unit

07/10/2026

NIPRD REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALIMEDS MAV+ PROJECT

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the QUALIMEDS MAV+ Project (Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in MEDicine Standards), describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and achieving greater self-sufficiency in medicines production.
The implementation agreement for the project was signed on 30 October 2025 in Abuja at the Nigeria–EU Health Investment Forum between the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS and the Government of Nigeria.
Funded by the European Union under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (TEI MAV+), the project is being implemented by Expertise France, in collaboration with NIPRD, NAFDAC and international partners including DNDi, WHO, ANRS/Inserm and AUDA-NEPAD.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Ag. Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIPRD, Prof. Philip Builders, stated that the project is particularly relevant to Nigeria’s aspiration to strengthen local pharmaceutical production and reduce dependence on imported medicines.
He explained that NIPRD’s contribution will focus on research and development, quality control, laboratory testing, and technical capacity building, including strengthening capacity for quality control, bioavailability, and bioequivalence testing.
According to him, enhanced local laboratory capacity will support pharmaceutical manufacturers, reduce dependence on overseas testing, contribute to cost reduction and improve access to quality-assured medicines. The project is also expected to enhance NIPRD’s visibility, strengthen collaboration with industry and create opportunities for increased institutional revenue.
During a four-day technical engagement with NIPRD scientists, the Lead Consultant, Pharm. Rin Meyers, stated that the project’s primary objective is to assist pharmaceutical industries to improve the quality and output of their products through capacity building, technology transfer and technical support.
He particularly highlighted the importance of strengthening NIPRD’s quality control laboratory capacity, noting that effective pharmaceutical testing benefits consumers, government, manufacturers, researchers and students.
The QUALIMEDS MAV+ Project represents a shared commitment to pharmaceutical sovereignty, local innovation, technology transfer and improved access to safe and quality medicines.
NIPRD therefore calls for the continued support and cooperation of government institutions, pharmaceutical industries, development partners, researchers, staff and other stakeholders towards the successful implementation of the project and the advancement of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

Ridwanu Musa Maishanu
Head, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Unit.

21/09/2026

On World Alzheimer’s Day, NIPRD joins the global effort to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Through pharmaceutical research and development, NIPRD remains committed to advancing innovative solutions for better prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare outcomes.

17/09/2026

WORLD PATIENT SAFETY DAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Safe Care. Safer Patients. Stronger Health Systems.
The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) joins the global community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2026.
As an institution committed to pharmaceutical research, innovation, and development, NIPRD remains dedicated to promoting safe, effective, and quality healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let us strengthen collaboration, research and evidence-based practices to ensure that the safety and well-being of every patient remain at the centre of healthcare delivery.
NIPRD: Advancing Research for Safer Healthcare.

31/08/2026

AFRICA TRADITIONAL MEDICINE DAY 2026

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) joins Nigeria and the African continent in commemorating Africa Traditional Medicine Day.
The occasion highlights Africa’s rich traditional medicine heritage and the importance of combining indigenous knowledge with modern scientific research to develop safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable healthcare products.
NIPRD remains committed to advancing research in phytomedicine and natural products, while promoting collaboration among researchers, traditional medicine practitioners, healthcare professionals, regulators, and industry.
Under the leadership of the Ag. Director-General/CEO, Prof. Philip Builders, NIPRD reaffirms its commitment to research, innovation, and medicine security for improved health outcomes.
NIPRD — Advancing Pharmaceutical Research for Better Health.

01/08/2026

This World Lung Cancer Day, NIPRD reaffirms its commitment to advancing pharmaceutical research and development towards improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Through research, innovation and development of quality medicines, we remain committed to contributing to better cancer care and health outcomes in Nigeria.

Advancing research. Improving lives.

30/07/2026

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), under the leadership of Dr. Obi Adigwe, has developed critical partnerships for contextual solutions to emergent diseases and global public health issues.

In alignment with the Presidential mandate to unlock the healthcare value chain, the Institute is now playing a key role in developing innovative interventions across the entire ecosystem.

In line with the aforementioned, Dr. Adigwe, who chairs the Ministerial Committee for the Commercialization of Phytomedicines Value Chain, made a significant stride in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in phytomedicine development through a bilateral seminar and knowledge exchange in China, a flagship technical cooperation programme supported by the Chinese government.

For further insights, join the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziag Salako, on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)’s Good Morning Nigeria Show at 7 am on Friday, July 31st, 2026 to discuss the Integration of Phytomedicine into Nigeria’s Healthcare System.