Fidson Healthcare Plc has approved a N3.6 billion dividend for shareholders after posting a record financial performance that made it the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria to generate more than N100 billion in annual revenue, reinforcing its ambition to become the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in Sub-Saharan Africa.
At its 27th Annual General Meeting held virtually on July 30, shareholders approved a dividend of N1.50 per 50 kobo ordinary share, rewarding investors after what the company described as a defining year for its business.
The dividend approval follows a year in which Fidson recorded N119.06 billion in revenue for 2025, setting a new benchmark for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry at a time when local drug manufacturers are expanding production to reduce the country’s dependence on imported medicines.
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Speaking at the meeting, Fidelis Ayebae, the founder and chairman of Fidson Healthcare, said the company’s record performance reflected years of strategic investment and disciplined execution.
“We recorded revenue of N119.06 billion, becoming the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria to surpass the N100 billion annual revenue milestone. This achievement reflects the dedication of our people, the confidence of our shareholders, and the effectiveness of our long-term growth strategy,” he said.
Beyond the financial performance, Ayebae said the company is investing heavily in expanding its manufacturing facilities, a move he believes will transform Fidson into the largest and most technologically advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Sub-Saharan Africa once the projects are completed.
“Our ongoing expansion projects have reached advanced stages and, upon completion, will position Fidson as the largest and most sophisticated pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
He also credited recent Federal Government policies aimed at supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturers, saying improvements in the operating environment have strengthened companies’ ability to produce affordable medicines and meet growing healthcare demand across Nigeria.
The AGM also marked one year since the transition in the company’s board and executive leadership. Shareholders described the seamless succession as evidence of Fidson’s strong corporate governance and expressed confidence in the management’s ability to sustain growth despite a challenging business environment.
Biola Adebayo, managing director and chief executive officer, said the company’s next phase of growth will be driven by innovation, manufacturing expansion and deeper market penetration across Africa.
“Our focus remains clear, to deepen our manufacturing capabilities, widen our product portfolio, improve market penetration, and build a healthcare institution that delivers value to consumers, healthcare professionals, shareholders, and society at large,” Adebayo said.
He added that the company would continue to strengthen its manufacturing processes while taking advantage of emerging opportunities across African markets to deliver sustainable long-term growth.
Fidson’s continued investment in local manufacturing comes at a time when African governments are encouraging domestic pharmaceutical production to improve medicine security, reduce import dependence and strengthen healthcare systems following supply chain disruptions experienced in recent years.
During the meeting, shareholders commended the board and management for sustaining the company’s growth trajectory while maintaining a dividend policy that balances investor returns with funding for expansion.
They also approved other resolutions presented at the AGM, including the election and re-election of directors, authorisation for auditors’ remuneration, and the election of members of the Statutory Audit Committee, reinforcing the company’s governance framework.
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Fidson also highlighted its continued use of digital shareholder engagement tools, including electronic annual reports, e-dividend platforms and virtual AGM participation, aimed at improving accessibility and participation by investors.
With record revenue, expanding manufacturing capacity and continued shareholder support, Fidson is positioning itself to play a larger role in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry while pursuing its long-term goal of becoming the continent’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company.