Nigeria has launched a nationwide training initiative to expand its domestic production of cardiovascular medicines, aiming to curb its heavy reliance on imported drugs and address growing public health challenges. The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), focuses on equipping local pharmaceutical manufacturers to meet international quality standards. Collaborators include Resolve to Save Lives, a global health organization, and the University of Abuja Cardiovascular Research Centre.
Cardiovascular disease and hypertension rank among Nigeria’s leading causes of death, yet the country imports over 70% of its medicines. The training targets this gap by emphasizing the production of affordable, high-quality treatments for hypertension and heart conditions. “Empowering local manufacturers isn’t just about reducing imports—it’s about creating jobs, expanding healthcare access, and positioning Nigeria as a pharmaceutical hub,” said Fatima Gawuna, an analyst with PVAC. Additional support comes from industry groups, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical wing.
Hypertension alone affects an estimated 30 million Nigerians, with just 12% achieving controlled blood pressure levels. Dr. Kufor Osi of Resolve to Save Lives described the initiative as critical to improving care access: “Quality local production can lower costs and ensure these life-saving drugs reach those who need them most.” The program’s curriculum covers international regulatory standards, risk management, cleanroom protocols, and quality assurance systems required for GMP certification—a benchmark for global market entry.
Government officials highlighted policy measures to bolster the sector, including tax waivers for importing raw materials like active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Talatu Yahaya Kassim, a representative of the health ministry, reiterated plans to build “an enabling environment” for manufacturers to scale production for both domestic and export markets. News of the initiative coincides with broader African efforts to strengthen drug self-sufficiency, spurred by supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With cardiovascular disease claiming millions of lives annually across the continent, analysts note that Nigeria’s push for localized production—if sustained—could serve as a model for other nations battling similar health and economic challenges.
