FG Boosts Local Drug Production, Strengthens Fight Against Counterfeit Medicines – PVAC, NAFDAC
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to expand local pharmaceutical manufacturing, improve access to affordable medicines and strengthen regulatory enforcement against counterfeit, substandard and falsified medical products in Nigeria.
The initiatives, being driven by the Presidential Initiative for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry (PVAC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), are aimed at building a resilient pharmaceutical industry, increasing domestic production capacity and ensuring Nigerians have access to safe and quality healthcare products.
The National Coordinator of PVAC, Dr. Mukhtar Abdul, disclosed this during his presentation at the 2026 Joint Annual Review, where he highlighted the Federal Government’s achievements in pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial expansion and regional collaboration.
Abdul explained that 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 businesses across the healthcare value chain.
He noted that Nigeria’s growing leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing was attracting interest from other African countries seeking to replicate its model.
According to him, the initiative is also facilitating cross-border investments and partnerships to support the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in other African countries, with the participation 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.
The PVAC Coordinator also disclosed that a major pharmaceutical company was preparing to establish an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing plant, 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, Abdul reaffirmed PVAC’s commitment to supporting more than 200 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies while expanding financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the healthcare sector.
He added that the proposed Life Care Fund would provide an additional financing option for businesses, while collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders would support Nigeria’s ambition to attain higher World Health Organisation regulatory maturity status and advance local vaccine manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed significant progress in the agency’s efforts to combat counterfeit, substandard and falsified medicines and other regulated products.
Represented by Mr. Salihu Bello, Adeyeye revealed that NAFDAC conducted 5,532 enforcement activities during the period under review, comprising 213 raids, 211 sanctions and 52 arrests.
She further disclosed that the agency seized 821 products, closed 179 premises and destroyed counterfeit and expired products worth ₦22.73 billion through 22 destruction exercises.
On international regulatory collaboration, NAFDAC highlighted Nigeria’s attainment of full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, 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.
The agency 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 major priorities for 2027.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterated the need for sustained collaboration among government agencies, pharmaceutical 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.
