\n\nNigeria’s healthcare system is facing continued pressure from its heavy dependence on imported medical and diagnostic products, with industry stakeholders calling for stronger government support for local manufacturing.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen policies that encourage the domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) — key components used in the manufacture of medicines.
The call comes amid wider concerns about Nigeria’s dependence on foreign healthcare supplies. The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) said the country currently imports between 95 and 99 per cent of its in-vitro diagnostic products, leaving the health sector vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains and foreign exchange pressures.
Industry experts argue that increasing local production could reduce Nigeria’s exposure to international supply shocks, improve access to essential medicines and diagnostics, and potentially lower costs for healthcare providers and patients.
They also say developing domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing would create opportunities for investment, technology transfer and skilled employment while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to respond to future health emergencies.
The stakeholders are therefore calling for policies that make local pharmaceutical production more competitive, including improved financing, infrastructure and incentives for manufacturers.
The development comes as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen its health system and reduce the financial burden placed on patients who often pay significant portions of their medical expenses directly. The World Health Organization recently noted that out-of-pocket payments accounted for about 72% of Nigeria’s current health expenditure in 2023.
