NAFDAC Urges Stronger Collaboration Between Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Academia to Boost Local Drug Production

The Director-General of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has renewed calls for enhanced collaboration between pharmaceutical manufacturers and academic institutions to drive local drug and vaccine production in Nigeria.

Speaking at a recent stakeholder engagement, Professor Adeyeye stressed that strategic partnerships between universities and the pharmaceutical industry are vital to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines and strengthening national healthcare delivery.

“We must bridge the gap between science and manufacturing. Our universities have the research capacity and talent—we need to align that with the needs of our pharmaceutical industry to foster innovation and increase local production,” said Professor Adeyeye.

Driving Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Nigeria

Currently, over 70% of Nigeria’s medicines are imported. The Federal Government aims to change this by achieving 70% local production by 2030 through supportive policies, investment in infrastructure, and fostering R&D.

NAFDAC is spearheading a new initiative to create research frameworks that connect universities with manufacturers, enabling joint development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), essential drugs, and vaccines tailored to Nigeria’s healthcare needs.

Implications for West Africa’s Pharmaceutical Market

As the leading pharmaceutical hub in West Africa, Nigeria’s shift towards local production has far-reaching implications across the region. Localising manufacturing will improve medicine accessibility, reduce costs, support regulatory oversight, and create export opportunities within the ECOWAS bloc.

Pharma West Africa champions this agenda, bringing together regional stakeholders, international suppliers, and local manufacturers to support sustainable growth and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.