Abia State Approves Establishment of Coordinated Drug Wholesale Centre in Osisioma to Tackle Fake Drugs, Boost Healthcare Access, and Create Jobs

The Abia State Government has granted approval in principle for the establishment of the Abia State Coordinated Drug Wholesale Centre in Umuimo, Osisioma Local Government Area, a landmark step designed to regulate the pharmaceutical market and guarantee access to safe and quality medicines.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, announced the development at Government House Umuahia during a meeting between government representatives, pharmaceutical union leaders, and the approved developer of the centre.

Chief Inem explained that the project, which will be executed by KCH Aqua Investment Limited, is in line with the Federal Government’s directive to bring the pharmacy business under strict regulation to eliminate unwholesome practices and protect lives.

“The essence of the meeting is simple. The KCH Aqua Pharmaceuticals applied to build a coordinated warehouse in line with the Federal Government’s directive that pharmacy or drug business should be strictly under control, given the fact that if no proper control is there, the risk is so large, which is fake drugs, loss of life, not to talk of loss of money,” Chief Inem said.

He further revealed that the meeting was aimed at introducing the developer to pharmaceutical dealers, who would eventually relocate to the centre, as part of efforts to build their trust and confidence in the project. He also disclosed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the centre would soon be performed by the State Government.

Earlier in the meeting, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, while presenting the approval in principle to the developer, described the project as a transformative investment that would not only provide about 1,000 shops of varying sizes for pharmaceutical wholesalers but also create an estimated 3,000 jobs upon completion.

Mr. Chijioke further stated that the facility, which carries an 18-month delivery timeline, would feature modern infrastructure including banking halls, a fire station, parking lots, utilities, and security facilities. The centre will also accommodate offices for NAFDAC, NDLEA, and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, strengthening regulatory oversight in the fight against fake drugs.

The developer, Chief Victor Amuta of KCH Aqua Investment Limited, commended the Abia State Government for its foresight and commitment, stressing that the initiative would position Abia among states such as Kano, Anambra, and Lagos, which already operate centralised drug markets.

He emphasised that the project would significantly aid NAFDAC and other regulatory stakeholders in their efforts to eradicate fake and unwholesome drugs from circulation.