The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union and France, has signed a €10.2 million strategic agreement under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) initiative to boost Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthen its health systems.
The project, named “Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria),” will be implemented over 44 months (2025‑2028) and will position the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) as a regional reference centre for bio‑equivalence studies, stability studies, and quality control.
Under the partnership, the European Union will contribute €10 million while France will co‑finance €200,000, aiming to promote local production of quality medicines, access to essential technologies, and research‑based innovation.
At the signing ceremony during the Nigeria‑EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the pact as proof of the strong collaboration between Nigeria, the EU, and France, emphasising that it will help make healthcare in Nigeria sustainable, accessible, and affordable while creating jobs and opportunities.
France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, highlighted France’s commitment under its Global Health Strategy, stressing the initiative’s focus on equity, solidarity, and human dignity. The project is part of the Team Europe initiative.
Dr Obi Adigwe, Director‑General/CEO of NIPRD, stated that the agreement will support laboratory modernisation, technology transfer, workforce training, and regulatory compliance, boosting self‑sufficiency in medicines and vaccines, creating jobs, and generating revenue for the country.
