JAR 2026: FG Intensifies Drive to Boost Local Pharmaceutical Production, Tackle Fake Drugs

JAR 2026: FG Intensifies Drive to Boost Local Pharmaceutical Production, Tackle Fake Drugs

By Our Correspondent

Abuja (Core Reporters) The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, expand local production of essential medicines and medical products, and improve access to affordable healthcare through strategic investments, innovative financing and stronger regulatory enforcement.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry (PVAC), Dr. Mukhtar Abdul, disclosed this during his presentation at the 2026 Joint Annual Review, where he highlighted significant progress in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial expansion and regional collaboration.

Abdul said the initiative had introduced the Bridge to Scale financing mechanism, a donor-supported intervention designed to reduce borrowing costs and improve access to affordable financing for pharmaceutical manufacturers and other players in the healthcare value chain.

He noted that Nigeria’s growing leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing was attracting interest from other African countries seeking to establish similar structures.

According to him, the initiative is supporting cross-border investments and partnerships, including efforts to facilitate the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in other African countries through the involvement of Nigerian manufacturers and regulatory institutions.

Among the achievements recorded are the commencement of local production of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, establishment of diagnostic product packaging and manufacturing facilities, expansion of medical oxygen production capacity and investments in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Abdul further disclosed that a major pharmaceutical company was preparing to establish an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing plant, which is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027.

He described the proposed facility as a significant milestone for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa.

Looking ahead, the PVAC coordinator reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to supporting more than 200 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies while strengthening financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the healthcare sector.

He said the proposed Life Care Fund would provide an additional financing window for businesses, while sustained collaboration with regulators and industry partners would support Nigeria’s ambition to attain higher World Health Organisation regulatory maturity status and advance local vaccine manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, reported significant progress in regulatory enforcement and the fight against counterfeit, substandard and falsified medicines and other regulated products.

Adeyeye, who was represented by Mr. Salihu Bello, disclosed that the agency conducted 5,532 enforcement activities during the period under review, comprising 213 raids, 211 sanctions and 52 arrests.

She added that NAFDAC seized 821 products, shut down 179 premises and destroyed counterfeit and expired products valued at ₦22.73 billion through 22 destruction exercises.

The agency also highlighted progress in regulatory capacity, international collaboration and pharmaceutical industry development, including Nigeria’s attainment of full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), making the country its 24th member.

Nigeria also became the 31st African Union Member State to ratify and deposit its instrument of ratification for the African Medicines Agency agreement, further strengthening its position in continental pharmaceutical regulation.

For 2027, NAFDAC identified the attainment of WHO Maturity Level 4 and WHO Listed Authority status, stronger enforcement, expanded digital product traceability, improved stakeholder engagement and deeper international regulatory cooperation as key priorities.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterated the need for sustained collaboration among government agencies, manufacturers, development partners and other stakeholders to build a resilient pharmaceutical industry capable of guaranteeing Nigerians access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medical products.