Fidson Healthcare Plc (NGX: FIDSON) has signed a strategic agreement with a Japanese firm to boost the production of specialized medicines for the management of diverse disease conditions.
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In a significant move set to transform Africa’s healthcare landscape, a delegation from Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has announced a deepened strategic alliance with Japanese firm, Ohara Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
The partnership was announced at the just concluded 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Led by the Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Abiola Adebayo, the delegation, which also included Fidson’s Finance Director, Imokha Ayebae and Business Development and Marketing Director, Oshoke Ayebae – disclosed that the expanded partnership will see Ohara supporting Fidson’s capital raise and providing advice based on insights from the Japanese pharmaceutical industry that will expand the capabilities of Fidson to produce more specialized medicines for the management of diverse disease conditions.
Addressing journalists during the expo, Mr. Abiola Adebayo expressed his satisfaction with the company’s participation in the event stating that it marks a significant milestone in the history of the Fidson-Ohara relationship: “Putting this strategic alliance on a world stage like TICAD emphasizes the fact that the Fidson-Ohara collaboration has come to stay.” He said.
The foundation of the Fidson-Ohara partnership was first laid in July 2019, following Fidson’s rights issue. The core of this collaboration was the transfer of expertise, and innovation from Ohara, a company specializing in medicines for various critical therapeutic areas, particularly pediatric oncology and generic medicines. The partnership agreement was a direct response to Nigeria’s over-reliance on imported medicines.
Mr. Adebayo stated: “By leveraging Ohara’s Technical know-how and experience, the partnership has strengthened local production capacity, improved the quality and affordability of medicines, and ultimately reduced the country’s dependence on foreign supplies.”
This deeper strategic commitment by Ohara is expected to accelerate the transfer of more advanced manufacturing processes and research capabilities, enabling Fidson to produce a wider range of high-quality, locally made medicines, including specialized drugs. This enhanced capacity, combined with access to Ohara’s portfolio of innovative drugs, will position Fidson to better meet the growing demand for essential and life-saving medicines in Africa.
“The intention by Ohara to deepen commitment in Fidson is a very welcome idea that will remarkably scale up Fidson’s operations. It will enable Fidson to expand capabilities into areas that are highly critical to Africa’s healthcare needs like API production, and other breakthrough innovations pioneered by Ohara.” – Mr. Adebayo.
For Ohara, it provides significant expansion across the dynamic African market, while for Fidson, it reinforces its position as the leader in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, and a force to reckon with In Africa.
In his statement, the President and CEO of Ohara Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Dr. Seiji Ohara said; “Since the beginning of our collaboration, Ohara and Fidson have built a sincere and trusting relationship through numerous meetings and visits.
We at Ohara are delighted to have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding based on this trust, allowing us to explore ways to further strengthen our relationship with Fidson. Going forward, we hope to contribute to the realization of two key values— the growth of Fidson’s business and the mission of saving more lives— by maintaining our excellent partnership and connecting them with the latest innovations and technologies.”
Investogist reported in November 2023 that Fidson signed an agreement with Jiangsu Aidea Pharma, Nanjing PharmaBlock, and the China-Africa Development Fund, to actively leverage their respective strengths to establish a new joint venture pharmaceutical plant project in Nigeria with the objective to promote Africa’s self-reliance in healthcare delivery, especially in tackling HIV.
About Fidson Healthcare Plc
Fidson Healthcare Plc was incorporated as a private limited liability Company on 13 March 1995 and commenced business activities on 15 March 1995. The principal activities of the Company include manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceutical products. The Company’s shares were quoted the Nigerian Stock Exchange on 5 June 2008.
At the end of trading on Thursday, Fidson had 2,294,996,275 outstanding shares and a market capitalization of ₦98.68 billion.
The issued share capital is held as to 39.91% directly by the Directors, 5.74% indirectly by the Directors and 54.35% by the Nigerian Public.
As of 31 December 2024, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae owned 33.05% of the outstanding shares of the company, while Stanbic IBTC Nominee Ltd held 24.77% of the shares.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
