The European Union (EU) and France have committed a €10.2 million investment to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, in what officials describe as a major step towards health sovereignty and industrial transformation and boosting local pharmaceutical production.

The investment, announced under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) Initiative, will fund the Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria) project—a 44-month programme designed to modernise local production, improve medicine quality and expand access to essential health technologies.

According to the agreement signed in Abuja, €10 million will be provided by the EU, with an additional €200,000 co-financing from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The project, to be implemented between 2025 and 2028, brings together the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), and other key local partners.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the investment underscores the bloc’s long-term commitment to Africa’s health resilience.

“This partnership proves the strength of the EU-Nigeria and EU-ECOWAS relationships. By combining our resources, expertise and innovation, we can make healthcare in Nigeria life-saving, sustainable and accessible for all—while creating jobs and opportunities,” he stated.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, described the investment as a reflection of France’s Global Health Strategy, anchored on equity, solidarity, and human dignity.

“France, through the French Development Agency, is proud to contribute to the Qualimeds Nigeria project. It exemplifies our shared values and collective commitment to strengthening health systems, advancing equity, and empowering communities through better access to essential products and services,” he said.

The €10.2 million Qualimeds Nigeria investment will reinforce NIPRD’s capacity as a regional reference centre for critical pharmaceutical research, including bioequivalence testing, stability studies and quality control.It also aims to deepen collaboration with peer institutions in Rwanda and Senegal, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for pharmaceutical innovation and standards

NIPRD Director General, Dr Obi Adigwe, described the funding as a “transformative opportunity” for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.

“Beyond healthcare access, this partnership will catalyse socio-economic development through job creation, capacity building, technology transfer and revenue generation,” he said.

The project also aligns with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), which seeks to position healthcare as a key driver of economic diversification.

PVAC National Coordinator Dr Abdu Mukhtar noted that the collaboration marks a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to localise health production.

“The MAV+ initiative is about ensuring every Nigerian can access affordable, quality healthcare. We recognise that such transformation requires strong partnerships—and today’s commitment from the EU and France is a clear signal of shared purpose,” he said.

When fully implemented, Qualimeds Nigeria is expected to deliver upgraded laboratories meeting international standards, enhanced Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, stronger clinical research networks, and improved integration of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into global innovation systems.

Officials say the €10.2 million investment represents more than financial aid but a strategic commitment to Nigeria’s health security, industrial growth and regional leadership in pharmaceuticals. Through initiatives like MAV+, Nigeria’s journey toward self-sufficiency in medicines and vaccines takes a decisive step forward, strengthening not just its health sector but also its economic resilience for years to come.