In her most recent prior role as the Head of the Precursor Chemicals Division of the Narcotics and Controlled Substances Directorate, a position she has held from 2023, Pharm. Asomugha was responsible for ensuring a balance between availability and control of precursors for industrial and scientific purposes by timely issuance of permits and authorizations, monitoring their utilization, data management, and submissions to the INCB in line with convention requirements and obligations.

Previously, from 2020 to 2023, she served as the Head of the same directorate’s Narcotics and Psychotropics Substances Division. In this role, she managed access to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Nigeria for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes. She was also the focal person for the EU-funded, UNODC-implemented project on the response to drugs and related organized crime in Nigeria, which involved leading multi-agency, professionally diverse teams.

From 2016 to 2020, Pharm. Asomugha headed the Liaison Office to the Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, where she managed the Director’s office and led a diverse team within the directorate, monitored and tracked all programs and projects, and ensured smooth relationships with donor and support partners.

Her career at NAFDAC began in the Ports Inspection Directorate, where she functioned in various roles. She managed the NAFDAC Drug Import Reference Store, coordinated the receipt and transfer of samples for laboratory testing, and was involved in several key projects and initiatives.

Before NAFDAC, Asomugha worked within the private sector promoting access to medicines, which gave her an insight into population-based interventions and fuelled her desire to improve public health from within the regulatory sector.

Pharm. Asomugha has managed several significant projects, including the decentralization of narcotics warehousing from 2020 to 2022, where she co-led the development of protocols for selecting facilities as Zonal Narcotics Stores and created quality documents and procedures for electronic processing of authorizations to purchase finished narcotics by health facilities, significantly reducing logistics costs. She also coordinated the stakeholder review of national regulations on controlled medicines from 2018 to 2019. She led the quantification of narcotics and estimation of psychotropic needs in Nigeria from 2017 to 2019, developing national guidelines and facilitating training and knowledge building on the initiative.

Her educational background includes an MSc in Public Health from the University of Lagos, an FPc Pharm in Social and Administrative Pharmacy from the West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists, and a B.Pharm with distinctions in Phytochemistry and Pharmacology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is also a certified Project Manager (PMP). Recognizing the specific skills needed in public leadership, Asomugha has completed various specialized training programs, including the Certificate of Specialization in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School Online.

Pharm. Asomugha has contributed to several publications and presentations, including a knowledge and practice survey towards record keeping for controlled medicines in Lagos state, and has been recognized for her work with commendations such as the Director General NAFDAC’s special commendation to the E-Clearance project development team and the DG Special Award as Best Staff in the NCS for 2018.

Asomugha is an avid reader and learner and has a B1 level in French. She is passionate about the youth and coordinates various youth initiatives.

Pharm. Asomugha Unoma’s leadership style is characterized by her collaborative approach and ability to inspire and motivate her team. She believes in leading by example and is known for her hands-on project involvement. Her leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on communication, ensuring that all team members are well-informed and aligned with the organization’s goals. She fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise. Her strategic vision and ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes have been instrumental in achieving goals. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development enhances her capabilities. It sets a standard for her team, promoting a culture of excellence and innovation within the organisation, to ensure the availability of safe and quality regulated products in Nigeria.