FG, Global Partners Forge Alliance To Strengthen Medicine Security
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s medicine security through strategic partnerships with international organisations and increased investment in scientific innovation.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on May 5, 2026, during a ministerial engagement with Caring Cross and other global partners in Abuja, according to a statement by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.
Salako said the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is prioritising research and collaboration to strengthen the health sector and improve access to quality care.
He cited initiatives such as the Presidential Vaccine Access and Health Security Programme and the Pharmaceutical Sector Presidential Order, noting that both are designed to enhance local capacity and strengthen the pharmaceutical value chain.
According to him, the government aims to ensure that scientific advancements translate into tangible health benefits while building a more resilient healthcare system.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry and international partners, noting that Africa has yet to fully leverage advanced treatments such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy.
Drawing on global experience, Salako referenced the development of artemisinin from a traditional Chinese remedy through translational research as a model for harnessing local resources to achieve globally impactful medical breakthroughs.
He also said a National Phytomedicines Development Committee has been established to harness Nigeria’s biodiversity for the development of locally produced medicines that meet global standards.
To support these efforts, Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Obi Adigwe, said Nigeria has secured international funding, including an €18 million vaccine research grant and financing for active pharmaceutical ingredient production.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by John Ovoraye, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnerships that support national health priorities and expand access to emerging medical technologies.
Leader of the Caring Cross delegation, Boro Dropulic, said the organisation is working to make gene and cellular therapies more affordable and accessible, particularly in developing countries.
He noted rising cases of sickle cell disease and blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, with increasing incidence among children.