The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has witnessed the signing of a major Memorandum of Understanding between the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Brazil’s largest pharmaceutical group EMS S/A, and Oaks Medical Limited.
The agreement establishes a framework for “Project Oaks,” a WHO GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and life sciences innovation hub in Nigeria.
The signing follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Brazil and advanced discussions held with President Lula on strengthening collaboration in pharmaceuticals.
The MoU sets the stage for improved local drug production, reduced import dependence, and a more resilient national pharmaceutical supply chain.
When fully operational, the facility is expected to deliver affordable, high-quality medicines for more than 30 million Nigerians while significantly reducing shortages that have long challenged the health sector. It also aims to position Nigeria as a competitive player in regional pharmaceutical exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A key purpose of the partnership is to unlock technology transfer, build local capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base in the health sector.
The project is projected to create over 1,200 skilled jobs, train young Nigerians, and expand local expertise through advanced manufacturing and innovation.
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Nigeria, Brazil’s EMS sign MoU on local drug manufacturing, to create 1,200 jobs
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has witnessed the signing of a major Memorandum of Understanding between the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Brazil’s largest pharmaceutical group EMS S/A, and Oaks Medical Limited.
The agreement establishes a framework for “Project Oaks,” a WHO GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and life sciences innovation hub in Nigeria.
The signing follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Brazil and advanced discussions held with President Lula on strengthening collaboration in pharmaceuticals.
The MoU sets the stage for improved local drug production, reduced import dependence, and a more resilient national pharmaceutical supply chain. When fully operational, the facility is expected to deliver affordable, high-quality medicines for more than 30 million Nigerians while significantly reducing shortages that have long challenged the health sector. It also aims to position Nigeria as a competitive player in regional pharmaceutical exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A key purpose of the partnership is to unlock technology transfer, build local capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base in the health sector. The project is projected to create over 1,200 skilled jobs, train young Nigerians, and expand local expertise through advanced manufacturing and innovation. By bringing global experience and modern production capability into the country, the initiative supports Nigeria’s long-term goal of medical industrialization and improved self-sufficiency.
Prof. Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong support for the initiative, noting ongoing reforms to create a condusive business environment for pharmaceutical investors.
He highlighted the government’s efforts to simplify regulations, strengthen the national drug regulator, provide incentives for raw materials, and drive policies that balance public interest with private sector growth.
He added that Nigeria’s participation in the African Medicines Agency would further expand market access for manufacturers operating in the country.
By bringing global experience and modern production capability into the country, the initiative supports Nigeria’s long-term goal of medical industrialization and improved self-sufficiency.
Prof. Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strong support for the initiative, noting ongoing reforms to create a condusive business environment for pharmaceutical investors.
He highlighted the government’s efforts to simplify regulations, strengthen the national drug regulator, provide incentives for raw materials, and drive policies that balance public interest with private sector growth.
He added that Nigeria’s participation in the African Medicines Agency would further expand market access for manufacturers operating in the country.