KCH Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Ali Vejlani, an Indian national, as Managing Director, effective 1st June, 2026.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, following the recent ban on the importation of Beta Lactam range of antibiotics by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
The decision by NAFDAC aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported antibiotics, curb substandard drug circulation, and strengthen local manufacturing capacity. With Beta Lactam antibiotics, including Penicillins and Cephalosporins, forming the backbone of infection treatment in hospitals and clinics, the ban has created both urgency and opportunity for local producers.
In response, the Board of Directors of KCH Group has mandated Mr. Vejlani to lead the company’s strategic expansion, with a primary focus on attracting investors for the development of a world-class Beta Lactam manufacturing plant along the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos. He will also oversee the day-to-day running of existing plant operations, among other responsibilities
KCH group will provide full regulatory support and market authorization for the new facility.
Announcing the appointment, Pharm. Chris Ukah, Chairman of the Board, said:
“Mr. Ali Vejlani brings deep industry experience and proven leadership in pharmaceutical operations and regulatory affairs. His appointment is timely. With NAFDAC’s policy shift, Nigeria must now build what it consumes. Vejlani’s mandate is clear: attract the right investors, ensure WHO-GMP compliance, and position KCH Group at the forefront of Beta Lactam manufacturing in Nigeria.
Under the terms of his appointment, Mr. Vejlani will oversee overall management, strategic direction, operations, regulatory liaison with NAFDAC and PCN, GMP compliance, profit and loss responsibility, and board reporting. His tenure is for an initial period of three years, renewable subject to performance review.
The planned Beta Lactam plant is expected to reduce Nigeria’s import bill, improve drug security, and align with the Federal Government’s drive for local content in healthcare manufacturing. KCH Group, already active in consumer healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution, sees the project as central to its next phase of growth.
KCH Group is a Nigerian pharmaceutical company focused on the development and distribution of quality healthcare products. The company is committed to supporting Nigeria’s drive for self-sufficiency in essential medicines through regulatory compliance, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
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