The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and France, has signed a strategic partnership agreement to strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and local health systems under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) Initiative.
The new project, titled Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), seeks to bolster Nigeria’s pharmaceutical ecosystem by expanding the local production of quality-assured medicines, improving access to essential health technologies, and promoting research-based innovation.
According to a joint statement, the Qualimeds Nigeria project will also reinforce the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) as a regional reference centre for bioequivalence testing, stability studies, and quality control — fostering stronger regional collaboration with Rwanda and Senegal.
With a total investment of €10.2 million — including €10 million from the EU and €200,000 in co-financing from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs — the 44-month project (2025–2028) will be implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NIPRD, and other local stakeholders.
The initiative is expected to improve Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in essential medicines, reduce dependence on imports, and support the development of a resilient, innovation-driven health industry aligned with international standards.
