– Says Executive Order on pharma sector soon to be implemented

The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s health sector, stressing that the current administration fully supports the pharmaceutical industry.
Professor Pate made this statement during the commissioning of the newly completed beta-lactam factory built by Jawa International in Isolo, Lagos. He emphasised that his personal presence at the event was not only to show support for Jawa International but also to demonstrate the government’s commitment to all stakeholders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
Highlighting the need for a reliable pharmaceutical industry and sustained government support, the minister stated that Nigeria must move past total reliance on imports for even the most basic healthcare products. He explained that the push for self-sufficiency inspired the president to launch the initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain in October 2023. Since then, the government has consistently engaged with players in the pharmaceutical industry.
According to Pate, the drive to position Nigeria as a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing also led the president to sign an executive order in June 2024. This order aims to stimulate local production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostic test kits, medical textiles, and other critical healthcare products. It also introduces market-shaping interventions to encourage domestic industry growth.
“The executive order has been gazetted into law by the Attorney General,” Pate stated. “Although there were delays in finalising the list of exempted items and ensuring Customs’ cooperation, its implementation is now on the verge of gaining the necessary momentum to move forward.”
Beyond regulatory support, the minister revealed that the government plans to pool resources to purchase from local manufacturers. He assured industry stakeholders that significant government intervention is imminent, aimed at fostering growth, reducing production costs, and making pharmaceuticals, test kits, reagents, and consumables more affordable—especially for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
However, Pate urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to implement supportive regulations rather than predatory practices or bureaucratic bottlenecks. He stressed the importance of creating an environment where pharmaceutical companies can thrive and operate successfully.
Addressing challenges in the sector, Pate acknowledged that some multinational pharmaceutical companies had shut down operations in Nigeria. However, he argued that their decision was short-sighted, as they focused only on the country’s difficulties without recognising its potential for growth.
“About a year and a half ago, several multinationals exited the country. We believe they made a strategic mistake. Betting against Nigeria’s future is unwise. This is a large, diverse, and entrepreneurial nation, as seen in Lagos and many other parts of the country. Those who focused only on Nigeria’s challenges failed to see that this country is resilient and on the rise,” he said.
Professor Pate commended Jawa International for its dedication to completing the beta-lactam factory despite obstacles. He highlighted the local production of essential antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanic acid—once dominated by multinational firms—as evidence that Nigeria is overcoming its challenges.
“This achievement is only the beginning. There are many better days ahead. The health sector is not just about consumption. Health is a fundamental right, and governments must invest in it. I can confidently say that this administration, along with state governments, is making significant investments in healthcare under the President’s leadership.”
The minister also stressed the economic benefits of the health sector, noting that companies like Jawa International contribute to job creation and economic growth.
“We are witnessing the healthcare value chain in action with Jawa International. Hundreds of young Nigerians are employed in this industry. Consider the impact of this employment on the staff, their families, and future generations. These are quality jobs that offer stability and growth. This creates not only economic value through increased earnings but also societal value by providing meaningful employment for our youth,” Professor Pate concluded.