The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to extend the Presidential Executive Order supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing by another two years. This move aims to strengthen Nigeria's medicine security and position the country as a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub. The announcement was made at the 8th Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Expo (NPME) 2026, held in Lagos.
The NPME 2026 expo, organized by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), brought together manufacturers, regulators, investors, policymakers, and development partners. The event focused on advancing regional manufacturing, localization, and Africa's pharmaceutical and life sciences sovereignty. Over 200 exhibitors participated in the two-day expo.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the government's commitment to expanding domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. He stressed the need to strengthen capacity across the pharmaceutical value chain, including research and development, innovation, and quality assurance. Salako also called for increased investment in areas like biologics, vaccines, and other critical health technologies.
The Chairman of NPME 2026, Pharm. Dr. Patrick Ajah, highlighted the importance of manufacturing in achieving sustainable greatness. He noted that Nigeria's drug consumption has historically been skewed towards imports, with about 70% of medicines imported and 30% produced locally. However, public-private collaboration has begun to shift this balance.
The PMGMAN Chairman, Oluwatosin Jolayemi, reported that the Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is undergoing significant transformation. He represents over 200 local pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and emphasized the need for policy consistency and a predictable investment environment. Jolayemi appealed to the Federal Government to extend the Presidential Executive Order to enable manufacturers to deepen investments and expand production capacity.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, stated that the government is committed to moving Nigeria from an import-dependent market towards greater self-sufficiency. The government aims to achieve 70% domestic production of essential medicines and develop a resilient ecosystem capable of meeting the country's medical needs. Proposed interventions include expanded tax exemptions, tariff waivers, and dedicated pharmaceutical intervention funds.
Regulatory agencies, including NAFDAC, are working to ensure that locally manufactured pharmaceutical products meet international standards. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, disclosed that 37 local manufacturing facilities are undergoing upgrades to meet international standards. African Medicines Agency's Director-General, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, called for stronger regulatory cooperation among African countries to accelerate access to quality-assured medicines.
Key points
- The Nigerian government plans to extend the Presidential Executive Order supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing by another two years.
- The goal is to position Nigeria as a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub and achieve 70% domestic production of essential medicines.
- Regulatory agencies are working to ensure locally manufactured pharmaceutical products meet international standards.
