As part of a joint effort to advance Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthen local health systems, the Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and France, has signed a strategic partnership agreement under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) Initiative.
The project, named Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), aims to bolster Nigeria’s pharmaceutical ecosystem by expanding the local production of quality-assured medicines, improving access to essential health technologies, and promoting research-based innovation.

Additionally, the project will reinforce the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) as a regional reference centre for critical activities such as bioequivalence, stability studies, and quality control, fostering regional collaboration with Rwanda and Senegal.

With a total investment of €10.2 million (including €10 million from the EU and €200,000 co-financing from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs), the 44-month project (2025-2028) will be implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NIPRD, and other local partners.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, an event under the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasised the importance of the collaboration, describing it as proof of the enduring partnership between the EU, France, and Nigerian and West African stakeholders.

He stressed the need to build robust, resilient, and efficient health and social welfare systems to ensure prosperity for all. “Let’s combine the strength of our EU-Nigeria official partnership, EU-ECOWAS official partnership, with the dynamism of our companies on both sides to achieve a common goal, making Nigeria healthcare life-saving and sustainable, diversified, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians, creating jobs and opportunities.”

He expressed his wish to expand the vision across the rest of West Africa and the continent.

France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, underscored France’s commitment to the partnership through the Global Health Strategy, noting that the principles guiding the strategy are equity, solidarity, and human dignity.

He expressed pride in France’s contributions to the project, stating the shared values and commitment to enhancing health systems and empowering communities.

He said: “I am very proud that France, through the French Development Agency, is truly contributing to the implementation of the Qualimeds Nigeria project, as part of the Team Europe initiative.

“It truly reflects our shared values and collective commitment to strengthening health systems, advancing equity, and empowering communities through improved access to essential products and services.”