By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Nigerian Army (NA), has reiterated its effort in tackling fake drugs in the country, through the expansion of the Nigerian Army Drug Manufacturing Company (NADMACO).

The Service noted that the expansion
will discourage the circulation of adulterated drugs, and save the lives of citizens especially those prone to the hazard of counterterrorism, and anti-banditry operations of the Nigerian military and other security agencies.

To this end, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya laid the foundation for the construction of the Nigerian Army Drug Manufacturing Company (NADMACO), a new site, at the Nigerian Army (NA), Cantonment Epe in Lagos state.

He noted that the groundbreaking ceremony is part of the NA effort to curtail the dangers of adulterated drugs faced by personnel and their families.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said the constitution will expand NADMACO production capacity towards servicing the medical needs of the NA, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the civil populace.

Gen. Yahaya averred that the provision of adequate healthcare is a critical aspect of a soldier’s welfare, hence it is imperative to continue to improve the medical facilities of the NA.

He further, observed that the increased engagement of NA personnel in various theatres of operations across the country necessitates the upgrading and expansion of the pharmaceutical company.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee (NALW/G), Major General Adekola Bakare disclosed that NA entered into a private partnership to reposition the company for improved performance and production, which had declined over the years, resulting from obsolete equipment and heightening cost of production.

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The Managing Director, UZ Carlson Pharmaceutical Company, Mr Callistus Okafor, noted that the joint venture would upscale production within the next five years.

Carlson who is also the Board Chairman of NADMACO, pointed out, that the pharmaceutical company would ostensibly mitigate the challenges of fake drugs and produce high-quality drugs of commercial value to promote local content.

Meanwhile, the COAS had earlier in the day commissioned various projects at the Nigerian Army Ordnance School in Epe Cantonment.

The projects include Student Officers’ and Soldiers’ hostels comprising two blocks of 20 flats for officers and 2
dormitories for soldiers.

He also commissioned the School’s Regimental Sergeant Major’s (RSM) official residence, as part of ongoing NA welfare program to provide suitable accommodation for RSMs in all Army formations.

NADMACO was established
in 1994 to meet quality and affordable pharmaceutical needs of personnel.