Pharmaceutical Company for Diabetes, Hypertension Treatment Launched in Ogun
— Peoples Talk
A new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility focused on the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and heart-related illnesses was officially commissioned over the weekend in Ogun State, signaling a significant boost for the state’s healthcare and industrial sectors.
The facility, operated by Codix Bio Pharmaceutical Company, is situated along the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway and is led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi. Prior to the launch, Mr. Ogunjimi paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where he shared the company’s vision.
Mr. Ogunjimi explained that Codix Bio, which began operations in 2008, specialises in cardio-metabolic health, particularly in addressing gaps in diagnosis and treatment. He noted that improper diagnosis remains a major challenge in Nigeria, prompting his company to pivot towards more diagnostic-focused solutions.
“In the few years we have been in Nigeria, we were the first to facilitate the guidelines for diagnosing diabetes in 2009. We’ve since shifted from just treatment to diagnosis, and people now recognise us for the unique space we occupy,” he said.
He further decried Africa’s total dependence on imported test kits, revealing that 99% of diagnostic kits used across the continent are manufactured abroad. Codix Bio, he said, aims to change that narrative with a technology transfer partnership involving the World Health Organization and SG Biosensor. This collaboration will enable the local production of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for illnesses like HIV and malaria, making Codix Bio’s facility the first of its kind in Nigeria and second largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Ogunjimi also disclosed plans to establish a second contract manufacturing plant in Ogun within 18 months to cater to local importers of generic drugs, thereby encouraging Nigerian-branded pharmaceutical production.
Explaining his choice of Ogun for this groundbreaking investment, he cited the state’s business-friendly environment, praising the Abiodun administration for its supportive posture. He also noted his personal ties to Sagamu, stating:
“As a son of the soil, I felt a responsibility to bring this investment home. Beyond the factory, we’re creating an entire ecosystem, including local production of plastics used for the test kits.”
In his response, Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized the critical need to invest in capacity building to match the growing pace of industrialisation. He expressed concern over the lack of knowledge-based graduates from Nigerian institutions, warning that without targeted reforms, companies might resort to sourcing manpower from abroad.
“We must ensure our graduates align with industry demands. This is why we’ve upgraded the School of Nursing to a degree-awarding College of Nursing,” Abiodun said.
He also acknowledged Codix Bio’s partnership with Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, describing it as a commendable step towards equipping local health professionals.
Highlighting ongoing healthcare reforms, the governor mentioned the renovation of over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and plans to rehabilitate an additional 70 PHCs, with the goal of establishing one well-equipped PHC in each of the state’s 236 wards.
Commending Codix Bio’s initiative, Governor Abiodun said:
“This facility aligns with our administration’s healthcare agenda. It will strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and help achieve the goal of producing 70% of needed pharmaceutical equipment and drugs locally by 2030.”
He concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting genuine investors and developing the infrastructure necessary for Ogun residents to live, work, and thrive.
