Medicine Made in Nigeria: Kwara Leads the Charge
FG Pledges Support for Kwara's Ambitious Healthcare Independence Plan
The federal government says it will support the Kwara government’s drive to produce medicines and vaccines locally to address gaps in the healthcare sector.
The National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr Abdu Mukhtar, stated this while speaking at the opening of the National and Regional Harmonisation Conferences 2025 in Ilorin on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PVAC, launched as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda in October 2023, is under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The conference has as its theme: “Contextualising the Presidential Initiative to Achieve Local Production of Medicines and Vaccines in Nigeria”.
Mukhtar, who was represented by Dr Olajide Adebola, National Conference Facilitator, emphasised that the FG was passionate about access to essential medicines and vaccines.
He said that the government would support the Kwara government in its efforts to localise the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
According to him, Kwara is strategically posipositionedthe North Central, while noting that the expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies will ensure expathe nsion of Clinical Trial Centres.
Mukhtar said that such an industry would create over 500,000 jobs.
He advised the Kwara government to resuscitate its once vibrant cassava production industry for it to be utilised as an agent in pharmaceutical drugs colouring.
In her welcome address, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, stated that Kwara has an immense opportunity to become a hub for pharmaceutical industries.
She added that the state has a vibrant academic community and a resilient healthcare workforce.
“There is a growing interest from private sector stakeholders eager to invest in local pharmaceutical production,” she said.
El-Imam, however, observed that the journey towards self-sufficiency in the production of medicines and vaccines required concerted effort and aligning national visions with regional realities. (NAN)
