By Ireti Asemota.
Under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies Initiative, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the European Union (EU), and France have formalized a partnership aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and reinforcing local health systems, according to a statement from the EU on Sunday.
The project, titled Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (QUALIMED), is valued at €10.2 million. It seeks to expand the local production of quality-assured medicines, improve access to essential health technologies, and promote research-driven innovation within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
As part of the initiative, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) will become a regional reference center, carrying out bioequivalence studies, stability testing, and quality control. The project also aims to foster regional collaboration with Rwanda and Senegal, supporting shared pharmaceutical development goals across West Africa.
During the signing ceremony, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized the significance of this collaboration as a demonstration of the long-standing partnership between the EU, France, Nigerian stakeholders, and West African partners. He highlighted the importance of robust, adaptable, and effective health and social welfare systems, noting that the partnership will combine official EU-Nigeria and EU-ECOWAS efforts with private sector dynamism to make healthcare in Nigeria life-saving, sustainable, diversified, accessible, and affordable, while also creating jobs and economic opportunities.
France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, reaffirmed France’s commitment to the initiative under its Global Health Strategy, highlighting principles of equity, solidarity, and human dignity. He emphasized France’s dedication to strengthening health systems and empowering communities.
Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director-General/CEO of NIPRD, noted the critical role of strategic partnerships in advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and health system development in Nigeria. He stressed that the project aims to provide broad access to healthcare while stimulating socioeconomic growth, job creation, technology transfer, capacity building, and revenue generation.
The QUALIMED project is expected to enhance regulatory compliance, promote gender equity in biomanufacturing and research, and increase Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in medicines and vaccines. Key components include modernizing laboratories, transferring technology, and training the workforce. Anticipated outcomes include:
Upgraded NIPRD laboratories meeting international standards
Increased compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Stronger clinical research networks
Greater integration of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into global innovation and production systems
The initiative represents a major step toward establishing a resilient, self-reliant pharmaceutical ecosystem in Nigeria while promoting regional cooperation and sustainable health development.
