The European Union and Nigeria have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership worth €18 million to strengthen research and development capabilities in order to implement Nigeria’s national plan for advancing the pharmaceutical industry and local production of vaccines and medical technologies.

The agreement was formalized during the EU Global Gateway High-Level event on education in Brussels, with the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, signing on behalf of their respective parties.

In a statement released by the EU Head of Communication, Modestu Chukwulaka, it was highlighted that this partnership underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to promoting educational and health equity on a global scale.

Commissioner Urpilainen emphasized the crucial role of education and healthcare in driving economic growth, stating that investing in strengthening these systems globally is a key pillar of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy.

The European funding, allocated under the Team Europe Initiative, will focus on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies in Africa. Specifically, the support provided to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector will encompass skills development, research and development, digitalization, establishment of a centralized system for medical product distribution, and facilitation of trade, investment, and customs processes.

This collaborative effort aims to empower future generations by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to address global challenges and promote prosperity. Through investments in education, research, and training, the EU and Nigeria are working together to pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for all.