…….Initiatives target affordable medicines, expanded production capacity, improved access to finance and elimination of substandard and falsified medical products.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, expand local production of essential medicines and medical products, and improve access to affordable healthcare through strategic investments, innovative financing and stronger regulatory enforcement.
The National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry (PVAC), Dr. Mukhtar Abdul, disclosed in his presentation at the 2026 Joint Annual Review, adding that the interventions are delivering significant results in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial expansion and regional collaboration.
He said the initiative also introduced the Bridge to Scale financing mechanism, a donor-supported intervention designed to reduce the cost of borrowing and improve access to affordable financing for pharmaceutical manufacturers and other players in the healthcare value chain.
Highlighting more on the progress,Dr. Mukhtar revealed that Nigeria’s growing leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing is worthy of emulation, noting that its model is attracting interest from other African countries seeking to establish similar structures.
“The initiative is also supporting cross-border investment and partnerships, including efforts to facilitate the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in other African countries, with the involvement of Nigerian manufacturers and regulatory institutions.” Abdul disclosed
Among the notable achievements highlighted are the commencement of local production of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, the establishment of diagnostic product packaging and manufacturing facilities, expansion of medical oxygen production capacity, and investments in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The National Coordinator, PVAC, further disclosed that a major pharmaceutical company is preparing to establish an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing plant, expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, which would represent a significant milestone for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa.
Looking ahead, PVAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting more than 200 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and strengthening financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the healthcare sector.
“The proposed Life Care Fund is expected to provide an additional financing vehicle for businesses, while ongoing collaboration with regulators and industry partners will support Nigeria’s ambition to attain higher World Health Organisation regulatory maturity status and advance local vaccine manufacturing.” He explained.
Meanwhile, the Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, reported significant progress in regulatory enforcement and the fight against counterfeit, substandard and falsified medicines and other regulated products.
Represented by Mr. Salihu Bello, informed that during the period under review, the Agency conducted 5,532 enforcement activities, including 213 raids, 211 sanctions and 52 arrests. It also seized 821 products, closed 179 premises and destroyed counterfeit and expired products valued at ₦22.73 billion through 22 destruction exercises.
NAFDAC also highlighted progress in regulatory capacity, international collaboration and pharmaceutical industry development, including Nigeria’s attainment of full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, making the country the 24th member. Nigeria also became the 31st African Union Member State to ratify and deposit its instrument of r
ratification for the African Medicines Agency agreement, further strengthening its position in continental pharmaceutical regulation.
The Agency FG further identified the attainment of WHO Maturity Level 4 and WHO Listed Authority status, strengthened enforcement, expanded digital product traceability, improved stakeholder engagement and deeper international regulatory cooperation as key priorities for 2027.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, manufacturers, development partners and other stakeholders in building a resilient pharmaceutical industry that guarantees access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medical products for Nigerians.
Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations
