The federal government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving pharmaceutical sovereignty, with a goal of producing at least 70% of essential healthcare products locally by 2030. This move is aimed at reducing the country's reliance on imported medicines. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this statement at the 8th Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo (NPME) in Lagos. The expo, organized by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), brought together stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Salako emphasized that Nigeria can no longer depend on importation for its medicine needs, citing lessons learned from COVID-19 vaccine nationalism and recent disruptions caused by the United States foreign aid embargo. He questioned whether Nigeria can produce, at scale and competitively, the medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics that Nigerians need. The minister stated that the theme of the expo, "Regional Manufacturing: Advancing Africa's Pharma and Life-Science Sovereignty through Localization," aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister highlighted the need for localization to go beyond packaging imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in Nigeria, to building full value chain capacity in research, API production, formulation, quality assurance, and distribution, including biologics and vaccines. He also mentioned government interventions, such as the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chains (PVAC), which has secured $2 billion in commitments at single-digit interest rates with 20-25 year tenor. About 50 Nigerian health firms are already in advanced funding discussions.
Dr. Salako noted that the Presidential Executive Order for zero tariff on pharmaceutical machinery, APIs is already benefiting 87 local manufacturers across almost 1,000 Harmonized System codes. This move has led to a decline in finished pharmaceutical imports from 4.03 billion units to 1.13 billion units as of 2025, according to NAFDAC data. Additionally, the number of active local pharma companies has grown from less than 180 in 2021 to over 200.
The minister also highlighted the growth of local production of diagnostic test kits through partnerships with international companies. Local production of HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis Rapid Diagnostic Test kits is on track to end 99% diagnostic imports. Furthermore, two Nigerian products have attained WHO prequalification, the first in West and Central Africa.
Dr. Salako urged manufacturers to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to access the 1.5 billion African population instead of seeing African countries as small, fragmented markets. This, he believes, will enable Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers to expand their market reach and increase their competitiveness.
The government's efforts to promote local pharmaceutical production are expected to have a positive impact on the country's healthcare sector. With a significant reduction in imports and an increase in local production, Nigeria is moving closer to achieving its goal of pharmaceutical sovereignty. The $2 billion funding secured for pharmaceutical manufacturers will also help to boost the industry's capacity to produce high-quality medicines and diagnostics.
Key points
- Nigeria aims to produce 70% of its essential healthcare products locally by 2030.
- The government has secured $2 billion in funding for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- Local production of diagnostic test kits is on track to end 99% diagnostic imports.
