By Ngozi Okoli
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on July 6, inspected the ongoing construction of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Oba, describing the project as a game-changer for pharmaceutical distribution, healthcare delivery and economic development.
During the inspection, Governor Soludo assessed the level of work on the site, interacted with project supervisors, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering world-class pharmaceutical infrastructure that will transform medicine distribution in Anambra State and beyond.
Situated on a 50-hectare site, the coordinated wholesale centre is expected to become Africa’s largest pharmaceutical hub, providing modern facilities for the safe, efficient and regulated wholesale distribution of medicines across the region.
Upon completion, the ultra-modern facility will replace the congested Headbridge Ogbogwu Drug Market in Onitsha and emerge as West Africa’s largest technology-driven wholesale drug distribution centre, setting a new benchmark for pharmaceutical commerce.
The project is being developed in line with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to strengthen regulatory compliance, improve accountability, and establish a more organised and transparent wholesale medicine distribution system.
According to the governor, the centre will play a critical role in combating the circulation of counterfeit, adulterated, and substandard medicines through centralised distribution, enhanced regulatory oversight, and stricter compliance with industry standards, noting that these measures would protect public health and restore confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
Governor Soludo described the coordinated wholesale centre as a landmark investment that will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, improve healthcare delivery, and reinforce Anambra’s position as Africa’s leading pharmaceutical and medical trade hub.
Ngozi Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
