The Federal Government of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) are set to host a high-level summit focused on boosting local pharmaceutical production and distribution.

According to a statement released by the EU on Tuesday, the forum is being organised in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

The event aims to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, enhance regulatory systems, and attract investment into the healthcare ecosystem.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the initiative as a milestone for strategic cooperation, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to make Nigeria a regional hub for lifesaving medical products.

“This forum brings together government, industry, research, and investors to turn ambition into action for health sovereignty and local production,” Mignot said. 

He noted that the partnership will bolster access to health products across Nigeria and West Africa.

NIPRD Director-General, Dr. Obi Adigwe, said the summit would highlight Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s health manufacturing revival, while Dr. Abdul Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative, called it a turning point for unlocking the sector’s economic potential.

During the summit, participants will sign contracts under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa, as well as a regional agreement led by the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO).

These agreements aim to harmonise reproductive health policies, improve access to essential health products, and strengthen accountability systems across the ECOWAS region.