Posted on: Tue 22-04-2025

It’s refreshing to see the Federal Government finally making deliberate moves to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing healthcare gaps: local pharmaceutical manufacturing. The recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with Empower School of Health, Geneva — better known as Empower Swiss — to establish a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Training Academy in Nigeria, is the kind of partnership that suggests a future where self-sufficiency might finally replace dependency.

But here’s the real question: Will this be another announcement that fades with time, or will it spark the long-overdue transformation of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape?

The vision is both ambitious and necessary — producing 70% of Nigeria’s pharmaceuticals locally by 2030 and 60% of vaccines by 2040, in line with Africa CDC targets. It’s a goal worth pursuing, but one that will only become reality if the training academy does more than churn out certifications. The real litmus test will be in producing world-class talent — pharmacists, researchers, quality assurance specialists — equipped not just to meet local standards, but to compete globally.

It’s no secret that Nigeria is brimming with graduates, yet too many lack the hands-on, industry-specific skills that drive innovation and production. This partnership with Empower Swiss, which boasts a track record of training professionals in over 40 countries, could — if fully leveraged — bridge this gap. But the success of this academy will depend on more than international expertise; it will require genuine commitment to reform, strong industry participation, and the political will to create an ecosystem where talent doesn’t just learn, but thrives.

Beyond the classroom, Nigeria must build a value chain where these trained professionals can apply their knowledge — from research labs and factories to regulatory agencies and export markets. The recent announcement that over 70 healthcare manufacturing companies are gearing up for large-scale projects is encouraging, but such optimism must be matched with consistent support, financing, and infrastructure.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has rightly pointed out the link between local manufacturing and human capital. But let’s not stop at building “talent.” Let’s also create an environment where that talent is motivated to stay, innovate, and elevate Nigeria’s position in global healthcare production.

And while the PVAC initiative may have opened the door to reform, this is only the beginning. The next step should be ensuring that these collaborations are not merely symbolic — but serve as catalysts for meaningful change. A future where Nigeria is not just consuming imported drugs but becoming a leader in pharmaceutical innovation and production is within reach — if the momentum is sustained.

Perhaps the most important takeaway is this: Nigeria must think beyond infrastructure. Investing in people, fostering industry partnerships, and creating an export-ready regulatory environment are what will truly rewrite the country’s healthcare future.

The foundation has been laid. Now, the country must build wisely.

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