May & Baker Pharmaceuticals

May & Baker historical building at Tinubu Street

80+

years of pharmaceutical excellence

about us

May & Baker Nigeria at a glance

Founded on September 4, 1944 as Nigeria's first pharmaceutical company, May & Baker Nigeria Plc has its origins in England where in 1834, three chemists founded Grimwade, May & Pickett. In 1839 this transformed into May & Baker UK Limited, which grew into a European pharmaceutical powerhouse. Today, only the Nigerian offshoot retains the original May & Baker name.

Nigeria's first pharmaceutical company
WHO-standard production facility

Local pharmaceutical production capability
Publicly listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange

our approach

Our Vision & Mission

We are committed to improving healthcare outcomes through innovative pharmaceutical solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and ethical business practices.

To be a leading Health Care Brand in Sub-Saharan Africa, recognized for excellence in pharmaceutical innovation, quality healthcare solutions, and commitment to improving lives across the continent.

Pioneering pharmaceutical research for African health challenges
Expanding regional healthcare access and affordability
Developing sustainable healthcare solutions
Leading technological advancement in African medicine
Setting standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa

To improve the quality of life; throughout life; for all lives through innovative pharmaceutical solutions and healthcare services that meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy.

Developing life-saving medications for African populations
Manufacturing WHO-standard pharmaceuticals locally
Expanding healthcare access across Sub-Saharan Africa
Training healthcare professionals through our academy

Our operations are governed by core values that form the foundation of our relationships with all stakeholders and guide our business decisions and practices.

Customer Delight: Exceeding healthcare provider and patient expectations through superior products and services
Innovation: Continuous improvement and creativity in pharmaceutical solutions
Passion for Excellence: Commitment to outstanding performance in all operations
Integrity: Ethical business practices and regulatory compliance
Teamwork: Collaborative achievement across all departments
Faith in God: Trust in divine guidance in our business practices

our history

Foundation of excellence in healthcare

From our origins in 19th century England to our current position as a Nigerian healthcare leader, our journey reflects decades of pharmaceutical innovation and commitment to quality.

Our History

May & Baker (West Africa) Limited was established on September 4, 1944 at 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos as Nigeria's first pharmaceutical company, serving as a trading outpost for the West Coast of Africa. This marked the beginning of our enduring commitment to Nigerian healthcare. The company was managed by expatriates from the parent company until 1997 when the first indigenous Managing Director was appointed.

Nigeria's first pharmaceutical company
Started as trading outpost in Lagos
Served entire West African region
Original location at 17A Tinubu Street
Expatriate management until 1997

Original May & Baker Nigeria location at Tinubu Street

In 1976, we relocated to our present site at Ikeja during the Nigerian civil war and built our first factory, beginning local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. That same year we changed from May & Baker (West Africa) Limited to May & Baker Nigeria Limited, reflecting our growing Nigerian identity.

Relocated to current Ikeja site
Built first local manufacturing plant
Began Nigerian pharmaceutical production
Name changed to May & Baker Nigeria

May & Baker manufacturing plant in Ikeja

Public listing

May & Baker Nigeria Limited became a publicly quoted company following its listing by introduction on the Nigerian Stock Exchange on November 10, 1994, adopting the name May & Baker Nigeria Plc. This marked a new chapter of growth and Nigerian ownership in our journey. In 1997, the company appointed its first indigenous Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Ikemefuna Odumodu.

Listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange
Became publicly traded company
Changed to May & Baker Nigeria Plc
Expanded Nigerian ownership
First Nigerian CEO in 1997

Modern expansion

Beginning in 2005, we embarked on an aggressive expansion and diversification programme after renegotiating our technical relationship with Sanofi-Aventis. We established Biovaccines Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Federal Government, built a WHO-standard pharmaceutical production facility, positioning us as a leader in Nigerian healthcare innovation.