The Nigerian federal government has set a target of achieving 70% local production of essential medicines by 2030, aiming to enhance medicine security and reduce reliance on imports, according to Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako. The announcement was made during the opening of the 8th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo in Lagos, organized by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN).
Salako emphasized that the initiative, part of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), seeks to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and build resilience in the healthcare supply chain. He highlighted that disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, underscoring the need for Nigeria to develop local capacity to produce medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and other health technologies.
The government has secured approximately $2 billion in financing commitments at single-digit interest rates for the healthcare sector, with 50 Nigerian health firms in advanced discussions for funding. Additionally, a presidential executive order grants 87 local manufacturers zero tariffs on pharmaceutical machinery, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and excipients across nearly 1,000 Harmonized System codes, aiming to lower production costs and boost local output.
Salako outlined ongoing efforts to expand local production of APIs, vaccines, biologics, and diagnostics, including the operationalization of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) API Capacity Building and Concept Production Centre. He also cited progress in localizing production of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis diagnostic products, as well as the need to invest in research and development and leverage Nigeria’s phytomedicinal resources.
To create a predictable market for local manufacturers, the government established Medipool, Nigeria’s national Group Purchasing Organisation for essential medicines and medical commodities. This entity will aggregate procurement, negotiate bulk purchases, and improve supply-chain efficiency, according to Salako. He also urged stakeholders to explore regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand opportunities for Nigerian pharmaceutical firms.
The minister stressed that achieving the 2030 target requires sustained investment, innovation, regulatory alignment, and collaboration among government, manufacturers, researchers, investors, and development partners. He described medicine security as a matter of national resilience and sovereignty, advocating for a shift from final-product assembly to comprehensive value-chain development.
Public health experts have welcomed the policy as a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s chronic medicine shortages and high import dependency. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks, and limited access to capital remain significant hurdles. The success of the initiative will depend on consistent implementation and cross-sectoral cooperation to ensure long-term sustainability.
The PVAC program also aims to position Nigeria as a regional hub for pharmaceutical production, leveraging its strategic location and growing population. By prioritizing local manufacturing, the government hopes to stabilize medicine prices, improve access, and reduce the economic burden of importing essential healthcare products.
Critics, however, caution that the 70% target may be ambitious without addressing systemic issues in the healthcare sector. They call for transparent monitoring mechanisms and community engagement to ensure the policy benefits all Nigerians, particularly those in underserved regions.
The 8th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo, themed “Regional Manufacturing: Advancing Africa’s Pharma and Life-Science Sovereignty through Localisation,” brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical industry. The event highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on foreign markets.
Salako’s remarks reflect a broader push to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, aligning with global trends toward localized production and economic resilience. As the country moves toward its 2030 goal, the focus remains on balancing ambition with practical solutions to ensure lasting impact on public health and national development.
The federal government’s commitment to local pharmaceutical production underscores its recognition of the sector’s role in safeguarding public health and economic stability. With continued efforts to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities, Nigeria aims to build a more self-reliant and robust healthcare system by the target year.