Nigeria to Commission 11 Pharma Projects in 2026 to Boost Local Drug Production

Nigeria's federal government is set to commission at least 11 pharmaceutical manufacturing projects in 2026, aiming to significantly expand local drug production and enhance the nation's health security. This initiative also seeks to establish Nigeria as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub within the West African region.

Abdul Muktar, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), announced the plan on Friday during a high-level stakeholders' meeting in Abuja. The projects, which are already in progress, are seen as a testament to increasing investor confidence in Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector. They are expected to improve access to locally manufactured medicines and open up export opportunities across West Africa.

The government's intensified efforts to boost domestic pharmaceutical production gained momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks associated with heavy reliance on imported medical products. Nigeria currently imports a substantial portion of its medicines, making its health sector vulnerable to foreign exchange fluctuations and global supply chain disruptions.

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

Muktar noted that the pharmaceutical industry is becoming a major economic contributor, with four companies ranking among the top 10 best-performing firms on the Nigerian Exchange in 2025. He encouraged local manufacturers to target the broader West African market, which comprises approximately 460 million people, in addition to Nigeria's domestic population of about 230 million.

Nigeria's recent accession to the African Medicines Agency (AMA) is expected to streamline regional trade by reducing the need for multiple regulatory approvals. Current investments include diagnostic test kit manufacturing facilities and a technology transfer agreement with Bayer for family planning products. Muktar emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, development partners, industry players, and research institutions to strengthen the pharmaceutical value chain.

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The IMPACT Project has moved beyond policy discussions to practical interventions aimed at strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing.