In a landmark move to build a self-reliant healthcare system, the Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global leader in pharmaceuticals, to strengthen local drug production and reduce reliance on imported medications. Announcing the initiative from Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative to Enhance the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
The PVAC initiative is designed to position Nigeria as a key manufacturing hub for high-quality pharmaceuticals, emphasizing local production of essential medicines. Minister Pate underscored that GSK’s commitment to localized production marks a pivotal step in achieving sustainable health security for Nigeria’s growing population. “GSK’s investment in Nigeria’s health sector through localized production is a significant milestone toward our health security objectives,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to bolstering domestic production capacities.
This partnership complements the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which aims to build a resilient healthcare infrastructure capable of meeting the nation’s needs. Beyond reducing import dependency, the PVAC framework seeks to enhance economic stability, create jobs, and ensure equitable healthcare access. By forging such alliances, the government is advancing President Tinubu’s vision to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians.
GSK’s commitment also extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, positioning the country as a prospective leader in African healthcare. Minister Pate noted that expanded local production could enable Nigeria to serve regional markets, establishing the country as a central supplier of essential medications across Africa. This aligns with the government’s broader goal to integrate Nigeria into the global pharmaceutical landscape.
GSK’s Vice President and Head of General Medicines for Europe, Mr. Kunle Oyelana, expressed the company’s dedication to shared objectives, including developing a local production facility to meet demand in Nigeria and neighboring countries. This partnership represents a strategic shift toward greater health independence and resilience amid global health challenges.
Minister Pate also commended Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, PVAC Coordinator, for his leadership in executing President Tinubu’s vision. “Dr. Mukhtar’s unwavering dedication assures us that our joint efforts will soon bring a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria,” he stated. GSK’s expertise spans critical areas like vaccines, infectious diseases, and oncology, underscoring its commitment to advancing health systems through its “Ahead Together” strategy, which prioritizes early intervention to improve global health outcomes.
