Nigeria Targets West Africa's 460 Million Medicines Market as FG Set to Commission 11 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Projects

Nigeria's ambition to become a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing powerhouse received another boost following the Federal Government's announcement that at least 11 pharmaceutical manufacturing projects will be commissioned in 2026.

The projects form part of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), a strategic programme aimed at strengthening domestic pharmaceutical production, reducing dependence on imported medicines, attracting investment, and expanding Nigeria's presence within Africa's growing pharmaceutical market.

The announcement was made by the National Coordinator of PVAC, Dr Abdul Muktar, during a high-level stakeholders' meeting in Abuja to finalise activities under the Initiative to Promote Partnership, Investment and Capacity Building in the Pharmaceutical Sector (IMPACT) Project.

The meeting, themed "Strengthening Local Medicines Manufacturing Capacity: From Concept to Action," brought together government officials, pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators, development partners and research institutions to review progress and discuss the next phase of implementation.

Building a More Resilient Pharmaceutical Industry

According to Dr Muktar, the manufacturing projects are already underway and demonstrate growing investor confidence in Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry.

He explained that strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing has become increasingly important as Nigeria seeks to improve medicine security, reduce vulnerability to foreign exchange fluctuations, and minimise disruptions caused by global supply chain challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks associated with heavy dependence on imported medicines and health products, prompting renewed government efforts to develop domestic manufacturing capacity.

Dr Muktar also noted the sector's growing economic importance, revealing that four pharmaceutical companies ranked among the top ten best-performing companies on the Nigerian Exchange in 2025.

"Every year, traditionally, you only see oil and gas companies and banks, but now pharmaceutical companies are already getting there," he said.

Looking Beyond Nigeria

While Nigeria's population is estimated at more than 230 million, Dr Muktar urged pharmaceutical manufacturers to adopt a regional outlook.

He encouraged companies to leverage opportunities within the West African medicines market, which serves an estimated 460 million people, positioning Nigeria as a potential export hub for quality-assured pharmaceutical products.

A major milestone supporting this vision is Nigeria's recent accession to the African Medicines Agency (AMA). The harmonisation of medicine regulation across Africa is expected to reduce multiple regulatory approval processes, making it easier for Nigerian pharmaceutical products to access regional markets.

New Investments Strengthen the Value Chain

Dr Muktar disclosed that several strategic investments are already underway across different segments of the healthcare value chain.

These include diagnostic test kit manufacturing facilities in Ogun and Nasarawa States, alongside a technology transfer partnership with Bayer for the local production of family planning products in Anambra State.

He emphasised that sustainable growth will require strong collaboration among government agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, research institutions, academia and development partners.

"One person, one organisation cannot do it alone," he said.

IMPACT Project Moves from Policy to Practice

The Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe, represented by Prof. Phillip Builders, said the IMPACT Project has evolved from policy discussions into practical implementation.

Originally launched as a pilot initiative in 2023, the project focuses on strengthening the capacity of Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce safe, effective and high-quality medicines that meet international standards.

According to NIPRD, the project has already trained more than 100 young scientists, researchers and pharmaceutical professionals, helping to build the skilled workforce needed to support Nigeria's expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem.

Dr Adigwe noted that sustained industry growth will depend on robust research systems, effective quality regulation, adequate financing, innovation, skilled manpower and long-term strategic partnerships.

He added that countries with strong local pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystems are better positioned to respond to future public health emergencies while strengthening economic resilience.

Development Partners Reaffirm Commitment

Development partners also reaffirmed their support for Nigeria's pharmaceutical manufacturing agenda.

The World Bank's Team Lead on the IMPACT Project, Dr Onoriode Ezire, announced continued support through a new Health Investment Project that will provide technical assistance, regulatory strengthening and capacity building for local manufacturers.

According to him, the World Bank previously invested 2 million US dollars to support Nigerian manufacturers in achieving World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, followed by an additional 5 million US dollars to address broader manufacturing challenges.

The European Union also reaffirmed its commitment through the Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Products (MAV+) initiative, which supports workforce development, technology transfer, regulatory strengthening and improved market access across six African countries, including Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), represented by Mrs Uduak Udoso on behalf of Director-General Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okeke, pledged continued collaboration with NIPRD, NAFDAC, PVAC and other stakeholders to strengthen pharmaceutical quality standards, encourage innovation, promote import substitution and expand export opportunities for locally manufactured medicines.

What This Means for Nigeria's Pharmaceutical Sector

The planned commissioning of 11 pharmaceutical manufacturing projects represents more than an expansion of production facilities. It reflects Nigeria's broader strategy to build a resilient pharmaceutical industry capable of meeting domestic healthcare needs while competing in regional and continental markets.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could improve medicine availability, reduce reliance on imports, create skilled employment, attract further investment, strengthen pharmaceutical research and innovation, and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

For pharmacists, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and healthcare policymakers, the projects signal continued momentum toward a stronger, more self-reliant pharmaceutical sector that is increasingly positioned to serve not only Nigeria but the wider African market.