In a significant step towards bolstering its pharmaceutical independence, Nigeria has rolled out a comprehensive Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Government, aims to elevate the local production of high-quality cardiovascular drugs, lessening the nation’s heavy reliance on imported medicines.
Organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), in collaboration with Resolve to Save Lives and the University of Abuja Cardiovascular Research Centre, the training is meticulously designed to equip Nigerian manufacturers with the expertise needed to meet international GMP standards. The emphasis on cardiovascular medicines is particularly crucial, as hypertension and heart disease continue to be leading causes of mortality in Nigeria.
Fatima Gawuna, Ecosystem Enablement Analyst at PVAC, highlighted the strategic importance of this training. “When we empower local manufacturers, we open the door to more affordable treatments, job creation, and the possibility of Nigeria becoming a major player in the African and global pharmaceutical markets,” she stated. Currently, over 70 percent of Nigeria’s drug supply is imported, underscoring the urgent need for this domestic manufacturing push. The initiative also garnered support from key stakeholders including Quamed, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Foundation, and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN).
Dr. Kufor Osi, Senior Technical Advisor for Hypertension Control at Resolve to Save Lives, emphasized the critical role of this training in addressing Nigeria’s hypertension crisis. With an estimated 30 million hypertensive Nigerians, only a mere 12 percent currently have their blood pressure under control. “We are working to ensure that cardiovascular drugs produced in Nigeria are not only available but of the highest quality,” Dr. Osi affirmed, adding that increased local production would also lead to reduced costs and improved access to treatment. The training curriculum is extensive, covering vital areas such as quality control, regulatory compliance, Good Laboratory Practices, risk management, and cleanroom operations. These are all fundamental components for achieving GMP certification and ensuring the production of safe and effective medicines.
Mrs. Talatu Yahaya Kassim, speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment conducive to domestic pharmaceutical production. This includes providing essential policy support and incentives, such as waivers on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). “Our goal is to reduce reliance on imports and empower local manufacturers to meet both domestic and export demands,” she concluded. This strategic investment in local manufacturing capacity for cardiovascular drugs represents a significant stride towards a more self-reliant and healthier Nigeria.
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