The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF) has formed a partnership with Nigeria’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) in an effort to transform Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing industry. This collaboration was announced following a High-Level Dialogue on Technology Gaps in Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Industry, which took place in Abuja from 18-19 March.
Founded by the African Development Bank Group, APTF is an independent agency with the mission of advancing a robust and competitive pharmaceutical sector in Africa. The partnership with NIPRD aims to assist Nigeria in attaining Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure compliance with World Health Organization standards. The ultimate goal is to bolster local production of medicines by enhancing domestic capacity and specific skills within the country.
The meeting in Abuja was attended by high-ranking government officials, private sector representatives, development institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers, and other stakeholders from across Africa. The Minister of State for Health in Nigeria, Tunji Alausa, expressed appreciation for the support of the APTF, recognizing that their efforts to address technology gaps in the health sector will hasten the delivery of medicines within the country.
With the government’s emphasis on local vaccine production, it is expected that the over-dependence on pharmaceutical imports will significantly decrease, resulting in a reduction in the country’s healthcare expenditures. Presently, Nigeria produces 25% of its pharmaceutical products and imports the remaining 75%, while Africa imports 99% of vaccines and 80-90% of medicines.
The partnership between APTF and NIPRD seeks to eliminate obstacles to domestic manufacturing and foster a resilient healthcare value chain in Nigeria. This will drive innovation, competition, process and price transparency, and access to a wider range of high-quality life science and biomedical products. In line with these objectives, plans are underway to explore the establishment of a joint Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Industrial Park in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in other countries.
Dr Obi Peter Adigwe, Director General and CEO of NIPRD, emphasized the urgent need for action to enhance drug safety and sustainable local production of vaccines in Nigeria. The institute is actively engaged in the development and commercialization of phytomedicines, medicines, and biological products, including vaccines, using Nigeria’s indigenous natural resources.
The collaboration between APTF and NIPRD demonstrates the dedication to accelerating technological advancements in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing sector. Efforts to involve stakeholders and policymakers, along with keen interest from companies looking to initiate vaccine production within the next 24 to 36 months, reflect a sense of urgency and determination in achieving these goals.
As the first of its kind in Africa, APTF is committed to systematically addressing barriers to technology access in both the public and private sectors across the continent. Through the licensing of proprietary technologies, know-how, and processes, the foundation aims to empower African companies, research institutions, and governments in building a formidable pharmaceutical sector in the region.