Meet the CEOs behind Nigeria’s most capitalised pharma firms

Behind the rise of Nigeria’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies is a group of chief executives turning economic challenges into growth, lifting their firms’ market value and strengthening investor confidence.

The healthcare sector comprises several subsectors, including healthcare manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and laboratories.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigeria’s healthcare sector, classified under Human Health and Social Services, grew by 1.99 percent in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 1.76 percent for the corresponding period of 2025, which shows an increase of 0.24 percent.

The growth in Q1 2026 was lower than the growth recorded in Q4 2025 by 0.76 percent.

Notably, the healthcare sector has achieved GDP growth in every quarter since 2020. In nominal terms, the healthcare sector’s GDP stands at N1.47 trillion, contributing approximately 0.013 percent to the overall GDP.

The nominal GDP of the healthcare sector closely aligns with the combined market capitalisation of companies listed on the NGX.

As of June 29, 2026, Nigeria has eight healthcare companies listed on the NGX, but this article focuses on six of them with a total market capitalisation of N824 billion.

These companies play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare in Nigeria by driving innovation and improving service delivery. Equally important are the leaders behind these companies. Here are the top CEOs shaping the future of healthcare in the country.

Dukor Anderline Ndidi – Co CEO Mecure Industries

Market capitalisation – N379.6 billion

Dukor Anderline Ndidi is a professional in the pharmaceutical industry with over 25 years of experience. She currently serves as the chief executive officer of MeCure Healthcare Limited, a role she has held since June 2022. In this position, she oversees the company’s operations in Lagos, Nigeria, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services.

Before becoming CEO, Anderline spent a decade as the director of pharmaceutical operations at MeCure, where she was instrumental in streamlining processes and enhancing the company’s pharmaceutical services from March 2013 to March 2023.

Her career at MeCure began in 2006, where she initially served as the superintendent pharmacist and regulatory affairs manager, roles she held for seven years. Before joining MeCure, Anderline worked at Renaissance Pharmaceuticals Limited as a superintendent pharmacist and regulatory affairs officer from 1998 to 2006.

Her early career also included a stint as a pharmacist on duty at St. Nicholas Pharmacy from 1996 to 1997.

Anderline holds a Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacy from the University of Lagos (2014-2015) and a Master of Public Health from Lagos State University College of Medicine (2009-2013).

MeCure Industries Plc, established in 1990, is the largest pharmaceutical company on the NGX by market capitalization. It specializes in manufacturing and distributing healthcare products across Nigeria. Headquartered in Lagos, MeCure is known for its commitment to quality and innovation. As of June 29, its market capitalisation was N379.6 billion.

Abiola Adebayo – CEO, Fidson Healthcare Plc

Market Capitalisation – N303 billion

Abiola Adebayo was appointed as the managing director and chief executive officer (MD/CEO) of Fidson Healthcare Plc, effective August 1, 2025.

His appointment was officially announced during the company’s 26th Annual General Meeting on July 31, 2025, when he took over the reins from the company’s founder, Fidelis Ayebae.

Adebayo graduated from the School of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, in 1988. He also has a Diploma in Advanced Computer Techniques and Applications (1998) from the University of Ibadan (Consultancy Unit). He worked with the Federal Ministry of Health in Lagos as an intern pharmacist. He began his career with Glaxo Nigeria Plc in April 1991 as a medical representative. He later on joined the pharmaceutical division of CAP PLC in July 1994, where he developed his skills and competencies in the sales and marketing of healthcare products and FMCGs.

He continued his career with Fidson Healthcare Plc in 1996 and held various positions in the sales and marketing division and rose through the ranks to become the sales and marketing manager in April 2001. In 2004, he became the Sales and Marketing Director, a position he occupied till July 2009. He is currently the operations director in the company.

He is a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD). He also completed a top executive leadership programme jointly organized by the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Manchester Business School in Manchester, England, United Kingdom, in 2007.

He is an alumnus of the Administrative Staff College of India, Bella-Vista, Hyderabad, India; Lagos Business School (CEP19), Pan-African University, Lagos, and IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Barcelona, Spain.

As of June 29, Fidson has a market value of N303.6 billion, with its shares trading at N101.2.

Patrick Ajah – CEO, May & Baker

Market Capitalisation — N69 billion

Patrick Ajah is the managing director and chief executive officer of May and Baker, an appointment he has held since January 1, 2021.

With over 20 years of progressive experience and responsibility in a variety of business environments, from pharmaceuticals to FMCG, telecoms, and manufacturing.

He has demonstrable experience in business development, distributor engagement and contracting, P&L oversight, organizational transformation, and managing through crisis across countries and cultures in sub-Saharan Africa and in more than eight reputable international/multinational organisations, among which are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis, GSK, Globacom, Guinness, and Twinings Ovaltine.

He has a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) degree from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, and an MBA in Marketing from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

May & Baker Nigeria Plc, established in 1944, is one of Nigeria’s oldest pharmaceutical companies, known for producing antibiotics, antimalarials, and OTC medications. Headquartered in Lagos, it operates manufacturing plants and a distribution network. As of June 29, its market capitalisation was N69 billion with shares trading at N40.

Valentine Okelu – CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc

Market capitalisation – N35.3 billion

Valentine Chinedu Okelu was appointed as the Managing Director/CEO of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, effective August 16, 2023.