R%D and training intensities in the Nigerian pharmaceutical firms: implications for development

The Nigerian pharmaceutical industry remains underdeveloped, characterised by weak local manufacturing capacity, this affects local drug production, impede sector's productivity and potential for wealth and job creation. Although, the significance of R%D and training intensities to firms' survival, productivity and competitiveness have been well established, these indices are less reported for the industry. Based on resource-based theory, this study evaluates R%D and training intensities among Nigerian pharmaceutical firms. This is with a view to suggest appropriate policy interventions to enhance improvement of the industry. Primary data were collected from 32 manufacturing pharmaceutical firms and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that average R&D and training intensities for the industry were 0.2% and 0.1% respectively, signalling poor knowledge intensity. Furthermore, the industry experienced shortage of technical experts, while production staff received more training than other categories of staff. The implications of these results to the sector and national economy were discussed and plausible policy options suggested.