By Abigail Philip David
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has announced that over 70 healthcare manufacturing companies are set to execute 22 large-scale projects in Nigeria, marking a significant boost for the nation’s health sector.
In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, Pate highlighted the establishment of more than 10 value chain verticals in the country. He emphasized that these developments align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria’s health sector from a consumption-driven model to one that generates jobs and economic value.
In October 2023, President Tinubu launched the **Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain**, appointing Dr. Abdu Mukhtar as its National Coordinator. The initiative seeks to increase local pharmaceutical production to cover at least 70% of national consumption by 2030 and expand the life sciences manufacturing workforce from 20,000 to 50,000 full-time employees.
Pate noted that the initiative has already gained momentum, with the President signing an executive order to stimulate domestic production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostic kits, medical textiles, and consumables.
“Although there were initial implementation challenges, these have been collaboratively resolved with stakeholders. I am pleased to report that the policy is now well-positioned to achieve its objectives,” Pate stated.
Key Investments and Partnerships
The minister outlined significant progress, including major investment commitments:
– Financing from the European Investment Bank and a $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding with Afreximbank to support both local and foreign manufacturers in the health and life sciences sectors.
– Collaboration with five development finance institutions to establish dedicated financing platforms aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.
Manufacturing Milestones
– Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits: A partnership with South Africa-based Abbott Diagnostics has resulted in the production of test kits in Lagos, with plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Nigeria for malaria and other disease diagnostics.
– Medical Oxygen: The Global Gases Group is setting up a cryogenic air separation plant in Nigeria to address medical oxygen needs.
– Ultrasound Devices: Siemens Healthineers has agreed to establish an ultrasound assembly plant in the country.
Pate expressed optimism about the impact of these projects, stating that the initiatives would significantly enhance the health sector’s capacity, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a hub for healthcare manufacturing in Africa.
