The Federal Government is taking concrete steps to create a self-sustaining healthcare system by teaming up with British pharmaceutical giant GSK to expand local drug manufacturing in Nigeria.
This collaboration is part of a broader strategy led by President Bola Tinubu under the Presidential Initiative on the Healthcare Value Chain which seeks to transform Nigeria into a major producer of high-quality medical products while reducing the reliance on imported healthcare supplies.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the development on his official X account from Abuja on Wednesday.
He stated that the government’s partnership with GSK underscores Nigeria’s ambition to become a production hub for essential medications and health products, thereby strengthening the country’s health security.
In a recent discussion with GSK representatives, Pate emphasized the importance of local production of essential medicines to address the nation’s healthcare needs.
He noted, “GSK’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s health sector through localised production marks a significant step toward achieving our health security objectives.”
The minister highlighted that this partnership aligns closely with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a program dedicated to reinforcing a resilient healthcare system to serve the country’s rapidly growing population.
Prof. Pate elaborated that the PVAC framework aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported pharmaceuticals, enhance economic stability, and create employment opportunities within the health sector.
“By fostering such collaborations, we are working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians, in alignment with the bold vision set forth by Mr. President under PVAC,” he added.
Furthermore, this partnership is envisioned to extend Nigeria’s reach beyond its borders, positioning the country as a key player within the African healthcare industry.
Local manufacturing capabilities would enable Nigeria to meet its internal pharmaceutical needs while potentially serving as a supplier of essential medications across Africa.
Pate quoted GSK’s Vice President and Head of General Medicines for Europe, Kunle Oyelana, who expressed the company’s commitment to shared goals, including developing a localized production facility to meet Nigeria’s demand for essential medications.
The minister also commended Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, PVAC’s Coordinator, for his dedicated leadership in driving the initiative forward.
“Dr. Mukhtar’s relentless efforts inspired confidence that our joint sacrifices would soon yield a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria,” Pate remarked, emphasizing the collaborative efforts contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.
GSK, known for its scientific advancements in vaccines, general medicines, and specialties in infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory health, immunology, and oncology, has long been an influential player in global health.
Its ‘Ahead Together’ strategy emphasizes early intervention to prevent and alter disease progression, a mission that supports health systems worldwide by preventing illness and promoting long-term well-being.
In Nigeria, GSK collaborates with various partners to make vital medicines and vaccines accessible to patients.
As the country progresses toward its vision of becoming a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, this GSK partnership showcases how public-private collaborations can drive systemic healthcare improvements.
Through this initiative, Nigeria not only anticipates expanded access to essential medicines but also expects a significant economic boost through job creation and sustainable healthcare innovations that are set to propel the country towards a new era of healthcare leadership in Africa.
