The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched initiatives to enhance the nation’s capacity to locally produce essential medical supplies, marking a significant step towards transforming the country’s healthcare landscape.
Prof. Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja.
Pate said that the government’s commitment to medical industrialisation was aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported pharmaceuticals and healthcare equipment.
The discussion comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s executive order, which provides incentives for the local production of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, test kits, and medical devices.
The policy, described as first of its kind, signals the government’s serious intention to attract both local and international investors to the health sector.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the level of interest from international stakeholders who were now exploring business models that could work within Nigeria’s emerging healthcare industry.
“We are witnessing the early stages of what could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The president’s determination has laid a strong foundation for industry growth, and stakeholders are responding with enthusiasm,” he said.
According to Pate, leaders from the Federation of the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry shared their recent efforts in providing pharmaceutical aid to flood victims in Northern Nigeria.
He said that their experiences underscored the vital role of local production in emergency response.
He commended their commitment, noting that the partnership between government and industry was essential to improving healthcare access and building a resilient health infrastructure for Nigerians.
“The policy direction has already started drawing positive reactions, with industry stakeholders commending the government’s efforts in ensuring that the healthcare industry can thrive.
“By encouraging local manufacturing, Nigeria is not only creating jobs but also securing a sustainable future for its healthcare system,” he said.
He said that the journey towards self-sufficiency was irreversible, as it aligned with the government’s vision to prioritise the health and well-being of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the minister said that efforts had been made to remove obstacles, particularly in the health sector.
“For the first time, we have a Presidential Executive Order, signed and gazetted by the Attorney General of the Federation, granting waivers in taxes and tariffs for raw materials and manufacturing equipment.
“This order provides a specific list of items eligible for these concessions, along with incentives and demand-side interventions such as market-shaping and effective procurement strategies to leverage purchasing power in support of local industries.
“Improving and simplifying the regulatory system to be both effective and efficient is a priority. In just a year and a half, we have moved in this direction,” he said.
He said that the market was responding, adding that when Nigerian industry players come together to donate pharmaceuticals, it shows their confidence in the government’s direction.
“When GSK expresses interest in producing locally, it is a testament to the success of these reforms.
“We must stay the course and remain committed to executing these changes, which is exactly what we are doing,” he said.