In a period defined by economic challenges and rapid change, visionary leadership is crucial for reshaping industries. At the forefront of Nigeria's healthcare sector stands Mr. Patrick Ajah, FPSN, the Managing Director and CEO of May & Baker Nigeria PLC. Appointed on January 1, 2021, Ajah brings over two decades of transformative experience from multinationals like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and GSK to Nigeria's pioneering pharmaceutical company.
A Legacy of Quality and Accolades
May & Baker Nigeria, the nation's first pharmaceutical company, has been a trusted health partner for generations over its eight-decade history. The company's legendary commitment to quality has cemented its reputation and forged lasting customer partnerships.
This excellence has been consistently recognized. The company won the prestigious Nigeria Stock Exchange Annual President’s Merit Award in 1996 and again in 1997. Subsequent honours include the Gold Award from the Lagos State Ministry of Health (2004), an Award for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Excellence from the Federal Ministry of Health (2007), and the NIS-ISO 9001 2008 Certification.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2014 with the attainment of the WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification, later recognized by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of MAN. The company is now pursuing WHO pre-qualification for its products. In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari presented May & Baker with the National Productivity Order of Merit Award.
The Leadership Philosophy Driving Growth
Pharm. Patrick Ajah, a Pharmacy graduate from the University of Ibadan and an MBA holder from Obafemi Awolowo University, operates on a core philosophy: "Leave No Colleague Behind." This belief in empowerment, talent nurturing, and collective success drives his approach.
"My greatest passion has always been building institutions that outlive individuals," Ajah stated. "I am deeply passionate about healthcare, innovation, and nation-building. From the onset of my career, I have been driven by the desire to make a lasting impact by improving access to quality medicines and promoting local manufacturing."
Under his leadership, May & Baker has focused on expanding local manufacturing capacity, diversifying its product portfolio, and strengthening corporate governance. "Sustaining this feat requires continuous investment in research, technology, people, and purpose-driven innovation," he emphasized.
Navigating Nigeria's Healthcare and Business Landscape
Assessing the sector, Ajah acknowledged Nigeria's healthcare potential alongside its challenges. "We continue to grapple with infrastructure deficits, dependence on imported medicines, and regulatory bottlenecks," he noted. However, he sees opportunity in the renewed drive for self-sufficiency, especially after the exit of many multinational pharmaceutical companies.
"The post-pandemic era has particularly highlighted the importance of strengthening local manufacturing and building medicine security," Ajah explained. He advocates for consistent government support for local production combined with private sector investment to build a sustainable system.
Despite economic headwinds like inflation and forex volatility, Ajah remains optimistic. "Nigeria’s population, youthful workforce, and expanding middle class present a strong foundation for business expansion. At May & Baker, we see these challenges as catalysts for innovation."
Integrity as a Non-Negotiable Core Value
When discussing business practices, Ajah stressed that integrity is the bedrock of May & Baker's operations. "For over eight decades, our reputation has been built on doing business the right way, upholding transparency, fairness, and accountability. These principles are not negotiable," he asserted.
The company enforces this through strong governance structures, continuous training, and a zero-tolerance policy for unethical conduct. "Integrity is not only a moral compass but also a strategic advantage. It is the reason our stakeholders continue to see us as a reliable partner," Ajah concluded.
Reflecting on tough career decisions, Ajah cited instances of enforcing compliance standards at Pfizer, choosing principle over favouritism, and opting for career progression over higher pay, including his move to May & Baker.
Ajah's leadership has earned him numerous awards, including Africa Pharma Brands CEO of the Year (2023) and a place in BusinessDay's Top 25 CEOs (2025). His recognition by The Guardian as one of Nigeria's top strategic CEOs underscores his role in steering a national icon toward a healthier future.
