The Federal Government and the European Union (EU) have signed three landmark agreements to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing, attract investments, and strengthen reproductive health across West Africa.
The deals, under the EU’s Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) initiative and SRHR flagships, aim to build a resilient health ecosystem by empowering local producers and innovators.
The projects – Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), and Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in West Africa – were announced at the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja yesterday.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, Dr. Uju Rochas, said the agreements reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a sustainable, innovation-driven health economy.
He cited the Executive Order on local production of pharmaceuticals as a turning point, explaining that the government was strengthening governance, attracting investment, and promoting local manufacturing.
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“Our message is clear: Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has made it clear that our health transformation will rely on government-led ownership and innovation, made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians,” Shettima said.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the forum as a demonstration of Team Europe’s commitment to strengthening health systems through strategic investment. He reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighting ongoing health projects worth €45 million in Nigeria and €25 million across West Africa, supported by partners including the Agence Française de Développement and the Gates Foundation.
Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, hailed the agreements as timely.
He said they aligned with Nigeria’s reform efforts to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr. Olubunmi Aribeana, said the Renewed Hope Health Agenda focuses on strengthening local production, expanding access to essential medicines and vaccines, and advancing reproductive health.
“Local production is not just an economic choice but a strategic health security priority,” he stated.