FG to Collaborate with Pharmaceutical Society to Boost Local Drug Production

Nigeria’s Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing through a strategic collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, marking another step towards improving healthcare access and reducing reliance on imports.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who stated that the government is ready to work closely with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to enhance the production of medicines across the country.

This partnership aligns with the government’s broader agenda to deliver more affordable and accessible healthcare, with a clear focus on increasing domestic drug production capacity. By working with industry professionals, the government aims to create a more sustainable pharmaceutical ecosystem that can better meet national demand.

A key part of the initiative will involve creating an enabling environment for investment. The government has indicated its willingness to provide incentives and support funding opportunities through partnerships with donor organisations and other stakeholders, recognising that financing remains critical to scaling local manufacturing.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has also outlined plans to support long term industry development, including the launch of a ₦5 billion endowment fund dedicated to advancing pharmacy education and research. This initiative is expected to drive innovation, improve capacity, and elevate standards across the sector.

The collaboration reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria must reduce its dependence on imported medicines and build stronger local production capabilities. Achieving this will be essential to improving supply chain resilience, stabilising prices, and ensuring consistent access to essential drugs.

This shift towards local production presents a significant opportunity for the wider pharmaceutical value chain and highlights the importance of platforms like Pharma West Africa.

As the region’s leading pharmaceutical exhibition, Pharma West Africa connects manufacturers, distributors, and policymakers who are actively working to strengthen local supply and expand access to medicines. The event provides a critical meeting point for global manufacturers and West African buyers, facilitating partnerships that support both import substitution and local capacity building.

Exhibiting at Pharma West Africa enables companies to position themselves at the forefront of this transformation. International manufacturers can establish distribution networks and explore local production partnerships, while regional stakeholders can source cost effective products and technologies that support domestic manufacturing.

By bringing together key players across the value chain, Pharma West Africa contributes to a more efficient, collaborative, and self sufficient pharmaceutical market in the region.

As Nigeria continues to prioritise local drug production, sustained collaboration between government, industry bodies, and private sector stakeholders will be essential. Platforms like Pharma West Africa will play a central role in driving these connections and supporting the long term growth and resilience of the sector.