Nigeria's Government Extends Pharma Manufacturing Order to 2029

The Federal Government has announced its intention to extend the Presidential Executive Order on pharmaceutical manufacturing by two years, now set to expire in March 2029. This initiative aims to achieve medicine security, reduce drug import dependence by 70%, and establish Nigeria as West Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

The announcement was made during the 8th Nigeria Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Expo (NPME) 2026, held on September 28 and 29 in Lagos, which gathered manufacturers, regulators, investors, and policymakers. Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the government's commitment to expanding domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing as a means to enhance healthcare resilience and economic development.

He called for increased investment in advanced production areas, including biologics and vaccines. Dr Patrick Ajah, Chairman of NPME 2026, highlighted the importance of local manufacturing for national development, while PMG-MAN Chairman Oluwatosin Jolayemi noted the sector's transformation and the need for policy consistency to protect industry gains.