The Federal Government has announced plans to increase local production of healthcare products to 70 percent by 2030, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and strengthen its healthcare sector.

Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain, disclosed this during the Scientific Products Association of Nigeria (SPAN) Innovate 2025 Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos.

Dr. Mukhtar highlighted the current challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that the country imports 70 percent of medicines, 99 percent of medical devices, and 100 percent of vaccines. He described this dependency as unsustainable for a nation of 250 million people, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a clear example of the risks of overreliance on foreign supplies.

“The initiative, inaugurated by the President in 2023, aims to transform healthcare manufacturing, strengthen infrastructure, and create jobs in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors,” Mukhtar said.

The federal plan includes boosting local production capacity, improving research and development in healthcare, and ensuring greater accessibility of medicines and medical tools across the country.

Experts believe that achieving the 2030 target could position Nigeria as a leading hub for healthcare manufacturing in Africa, while also creating thousands of jobs and promoting economic growth in the sector.