The Nigerian Government, the European Union (EU) and France have signed a strategic partnership agreement to enhance Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthen local health systems.

The partnership falls under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) Initiative.

The project, titled Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), seeks to improve Nigeria’s pharmaceutical ecosystem by increasing the local production of quality-assured medicines, enhancing access to essential health technologies, and promoting innovation driven by research.

Under the initiative, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) would be reinforced as a regional reference centre for bioequivalence testing, stability studies, and quality control, fostering collaboration with counterparts in Rwanda and Senegal.

With a total investment of €10.2 million comprising €10 million from the EU and €200,000 in co-financing from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs—the 44-month project (2025–2028) would be implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NIPRD, and other local stakeholders.

Speaking at the signing ceremony during the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the agreement as a testament to the enduring collaboration between the EU, France, and Nigerian partners.

Mignot who emphasised the importance of building resilient and efficient health and social welfare systems that ensure prosperity for all, expressed his desire to extend the vision across West Africa and the wider continent.

He said: “Let’s combine the strength of our EU-Nigeria and EU-ECOWAS partnerships with the dynamism of our companies on both sides to achieve a common goal—making healthcare in Nigeria life-saving, sustainable, diversified, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians, while creating jobs and opportunities.”

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, reaffirmed France’s dedication to the partnership through its Global Health Strategy, which was rooted in the principles of equity, solidarity, and human dignity.

He commended France’s contribution via the French Development Agency, noting that the project exemplifies shared values and collective commitment to strengthening health systems and empowering communities.

“I am very proud that France, through the French Development Agency, is truly contributing to the implementation of the Qualimeds Nigeria project as part of the Team Europe initiative. It reflects our joint resolve to enhance health systems, promote equity, and improve access to essential products and services.”

Director-General/CEO of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe, highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in boosting Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and improving healthcare delivery.

“We want to ensure that our people not only gain greater access to healthcare, but also benefit from socioeconomic development, job creation, capacity building, technology transfer, and revenue generation.”

Through laboratory upgrades, technology transfer, and workforce training, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s self-reliance in medicines and vaccines, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote gender equity in biomanufacturing and research.

Expected outcomes include upgraded NIPRD laboratories that meet international standards, increased Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, stronger clinical research networks, and deeper integration of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into global innovation and production systems.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, stressed the transformative potential of the partnership and PVAC’s role in positioning healthcare as a driver of economic growth and industrialisation.

“Today, we are signing new commitments, including those under the MAV+ initiative, to expand vaccine and health product manufacturing. The goal is that every Nigerian, regardless of status or location, can access affordable, quality healthcare.

“We recognise that this vision cannot be achieved alone. The EU, its Member States, and other development partners have been steadfast allies in supporting healthcare optimisation in Nigeria.”

The agreement reaffirms the shared commitment of the EU, France, and Nigeria to strengthen health security, boost local manufacturing, and drive sustainable growth within the country’s health sector.

Through cooperative initiatives like MAV+, the partners have demonstrated a collective dedication to building a resilient and prosperous healthcare system in Nigeria and across the wider West African region