How Companies in Nigeria Can Source Pharma Products & CDMO Services from India

Nigeria has one of the biggest, most dynamic healthcare markets in Africa. There is growing interest from both public and private sectors for affordable, quality medicines. Many Nigerian distributors, importers, hospitals, and procurement agents look to India for their pharmaceutical needs including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), injectables, over the counter (OTC) products, and Contract Development & Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs).

India provides a combination of competitive pricing, reliable supply, and manufacturing facilities that meet World Health Organisation Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) standards with experience in documenting for NAFDAC (the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control). This guide describes how you can efficiently and safely source medicines, raw materials, and contract manufacturing from India.

Why Nigerian Companies Choose India for Pharmaceutical Sourcing

Nigeria relies on India as its primary supplier of pharmaceuticals. Key reasons include:

1. WHO-GMP & global compliance

Many Indian manufacturers hold:

• WHO-GMP
• USFDA
• EU-GMP
• MHRA approvals

This makes Indian products widely accepted in Nigerian tenders and private markets.

2. Strong pricing advantage

Nigeria has an advantage due to India's efficient production capabilities and operating expenses compared to other countries. The price offered by Indian pharmaceutical suppliers generally ranges from 30% to 60% lower than suppliers in other parts of the world.

3. Broad product availability

India supplies almost every therapeutic class needed in Nigeria:

• Antibiotics
• Antimalarials
• Pain relief
• Diabetes and hypertension medicines
• Supplements and nutraceuticals
• Pediatric formulations
• Oncology and sterile injectables

4. NAFDAC experience

Indian exporters are familiar with:

• NAFDAC dossier expectations
• Lab sample submissions
• Pack approval requirements
• Import permit rules

This shortens registration and approval timelines.

5. Reliable supply for high-volume products

India supports Nigeria’s large-scale demand for antibiotics, anti-infectives, and chronic disease medicines.

What Nigeria Commonly Sources From India

1. Essential medicines

• Antibiotics (Cefuroxime, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin)
• Pain management drugs
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Pediatric antibiotics and syrups

2. Chronic disease medications

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Lipid management
• Gastrointestinal medicines

3. APIs for local manufacturing

Many Nigerian manufacturers rely on India for APIs used in:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Syrups
• OTC products

4. Injectables

• IV antibiotics
• Oncology vials
• Small-volume parenterals
• IV fluids

5. OTC & nutraceuticals

• Multivitamins
• Immunity boosters
• Herbal supplements

6. Hospital supplies

• IV sets
• Syringes
• Surgical consumables

What Nigeria Commonly Sources From India

1. Essential medicines

• Antibiotics (Cefuroxime, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin)
• Pain management drugs
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Pediatric antibiotics and syrups

2. Chronic disease medications

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Lipid management
• Gastrointestinal medicines

3. APIs for local manufacturing

Many Nigerian manufacturers rely on India for APIs used in:

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Syrups
• OTC products

4. Injectables

• IV antibiotics
• Oncology vials
• Small-volume parenterals
• IV fluids

5. OTC & nutraceuticals

• Multivitamins
• Immunity boosters
• Herbal supplements

6. Hospital supplies

• IV sets
• Syringes
• Surgical consumables

Logistics From India to Nigeria

Logistics is a core part of successful sourcing. India has strong export infrastructure and direct shipping routes to Nigeria.

Export Ports in India

• Mumbai (Nhava Sheva / JNPT)
• Mundra
• Chennai
• Delhi & Hyderabad airports (air freight)

Shipping Timelines

Air Freight:

• 4–7 days (Mumbai → Lagos / Abuja)
• Ideal for injectables and urgent shipments

Sea Freight:

• 20–35 days (Mumbai/Mundra → Lagos Port)
• Best for tablets, capsules, syrups, and large-volume orders

Cold Chain & Controlled Temperature

India offers:

• 2–8°C cold chain
• -20°C frozen
• Controlled ambient (15–25°C)

Legal and Regulatory Overview (NAFDAC Guidelines)

Nigeria has strict pharmaceutical regulation under NAFDAC. Indian suppliers are familiar with these rules.

1. Product Registration (NAFDAC)

Registration often requires:

• CTD dossier
• GMP certificate
• COPP
• API information
• Stability data
• Samples for laboratory testing
• Label approval

2. Renewal & variation filings

Products must be renewed after validity (usually 5 years).
Any change in formula, packaging, or source must be reported.

3. Import Permits

For each consignment, buyers may need:

• Import permit
• Invoice
• Packing list
• COA

4. Labeling Requirements

Labels must include:

• Batch number
• Mfg/Expiry date
• Storage conditions
• NAFDAC number (after approval)
• Manufacturer name and address

5. Dossier Support From India

Most Indian suppliers provide:

• CTD formats
• Validation data
• Stability zone IVB data
• Artwork templates

India has mechanisms that are powerful to resolve such problems.

India is Nigeria's most cost-effective and dependable supplier of pharmaceutical products providing WHO-GMP compliant facilities, a wide selection of products with competitive pricing, and an extensive knowledge base of Nigerian drug regulations established by NAFDAC; thus helping to build Nigeria's healthcare system by providing quality medicines, APIs, injectables, and CDMO services.

India's ability to support the growing demand in Nigeria for increased product availability, strengthen supply chains, and lower procurement costs by improving the availability of pharmaceutical products throughout the country.

❓ FAQs: Sourcing From India to Nigeria

1. Can Nigerian companies import directly from India?

Yes. India is Nigeria’s largest pharma supplier.

2. Do Indian manufacturers support NAFDAC documentation?

Most do. They provide CTD dossiers, samples, stability data, and product files.

3. What are typical lead times for manufacturing?

• Tablets/capsules: 4–8 weeks
• Injectables: 8–12 weeks
• APIs: 2–6 weeks

4. What is the MOQ?

• Tablets: 100k–300k units
• Injectables: 5k–20k vials
• APIs: 25–100 kg

5. How long does shipping take?

Air: 4–7 days
Sea: 20–35 days

6. Can Indian CDMOs make private-label brands?

Yes. Many support OTC, wellness, and pharmaceutical private labels.

7. Are Indian medicines accepted in Nigeria?

Yes. India is one of the most approved and accepted sources for Nigerian procurement.