FG Appoints New Governing Board for NIPRD, Alfa As Chairman

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed a new Governing Board for the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), to coordinate the affairs of the institute for the next couple of years.

Headed by a former Deputy President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Dr John Alfa as chairman, members of the board are: Dr Okey Akpa; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Pharm. M. O. Lawal; Dr Aminu Wada; Representative of FMST; and Dr Obi Adigwe as secretary.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the board, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, tasked all members of the board to set standards for control, discipline and be accountable in their activities towards uplifting healthcare service in Nigeria.

Mamora, who read out the obligations of governing boards to the newly constituted NIPRD Board members, stressed the need for them to strictly abide by the guiding principles of the board, and why they need to justify the confidence reposed in them through their appointments.

The Minister stated: “Governing Boards are creations of statutes and their responsibilities are to give policy directions to management of institutes and in so doing, the principles of change, good governance and accountability in the affairs of health institutions must be adhered to as government expects no less from them.”

“NIPRD will be vital in making Nigeria benefit from the African Free Trade Agreement recently signed by the Nigerian Government through its contribution to the economy and national development.”

Dr Mamora, also charged the Board members on increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of NIPRD, which will in return improve the resource base of the agency as well as enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the use of these resources in line with Financial Regulations (FR).

The Health Minister for State also advised the new board members to familiarise themselves with the new policies, processes and procedures which have been introduced into the act of governance, while urging them to distant themselves from any shady deals, as this administration has zero tolerance for such.

In his response, Dr Alfa appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing them and while assuring him of the commitment of the new leadership of the board to work together in line with set standards and rules to achieve the goals of the Institute.