The Federal Government is advancing its commitment to a self-sustaining healthcare system through strategic discussions with pharmaceutical giant GSK, to boost local drug production.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter) that this collaboration is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). The initiative aims to transform Nigeria into a hub for high-quality health product manufacturing, reducing dependency on imported medical supplies.
In recent discussions with GSK, the minister emphasised the government’s focus on local production of essential pharmaceutical products. “GSK’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s health sector through localised production marks a significant step toward achieving our health security objectives,” he said. He added that the partnership aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which is key to building a robust healthcare system that meets the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
Through the PVAC framework, Nigeria aims to reduce reliance on imports, strengthen economic resilience, and create jobs within the health sector. “By fostering such collaborations, we are working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians, in line with the bold vision set forth by Mr President under PVAC,” Pate noted.
This partnership, however, extends beyond meeting Nigeria’s internal needs. The minister explained that the localised production model could enable Nigeria to tap into regional markets, potentially positioning the country as a supplier of essential medications across Africa.
GSK’s vice-president and head of general medicines for Europe, Kunle Oyelana shared GSK’s dedication to shared goals, including developing a local production facility to meet the demand for essential medicines within Nigeria and beyond.
The minister also commended PVAC’s coordinator, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar for his leadership in executing President Tinubu’s mandate. “Dr. Mukhtar’s relentless efforts inspire confidence that our joint sacrifices will soon yield a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.
Science Nigeria reports that GSK combines science, technology and talent to advance disease prevention and treatment, focusing on infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/immunology, and oncology. GSK’s “Ahead Together” strategy emphasises early intervention to prevent and alter the course of disease, ultimately supporting healthcare systems. In Nigeria, GSK collaborates with partners to deliver medicines and vaccines to patients.
As Nigeria advances toward becoming a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, the partnership with GSK demonstrates the potential of public-private collaboration to strengthen the healthcare system. This initiative promises improved access to medicines, job creation and sustainable healthcare innovation, setting the foundation for accessible, affordable healthcare for all Nigerians and enhancing national health security.
