The Federal Government has strengthened efforts to secure Nigeria’s medicine supply and expand access to cutting-edge treatments through a strategic collaboration with international partners, including US-based non-profit Caring Cross.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advancing scientific capacity and translating new technologies into impactful healthcare solutions for Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja during a ministerial engagement with a delegation led by the Director-General of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Obi Adigwe, the minister said the government is prioritising research-driven innovation to enhance health security, economic growth and job creation.
Salako highlighted key initiatives such as the Presidential Vaccine Access Committee (PVAC) and the Pharma Sector Presidential Order, noting that they have catalysed reforms across the pharmaceutical value chain while promoting evidence-based policies.
He emphasised that the Ministry is driving institutional coordination and partnerships across government, academia, and industry to ensure that innovation directly improves health outcomes. According to him, collaboration with organisations like Caring Cross is critical to building resilient health systems and expanding access to modern therapies.
The minister described the engagement as a pivotal moment aimed at introducing advanced treatments such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in Nigeria and across Africa. He noted that the continent has yet to fully harness such technologies despite their potential to transform care for conditions like cancer and genetic disorders.
Salako also revealed that a National Phytomedicines Development Committee has been established to harness Nigeria’s biodiversity for the development of world-class medicines, drawing inspiration from global success stories such as the discovery of artemisinin.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. John Ovoraye, reiterated the government’s commitment to partnerships that support innovation and sustainable investment in healthcare. She noted that emerging therapies, including CAR-T and stem cell technologies, represent a new frontier in the treatment of complex diseases.
In his presentation, Caring Cross delegation leader, Boro Dropulic, said the organisation is focused on making cellular and gene therapies affordable and accessible. He highlighted rising cases of blood-related diseases in Nigeria, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, particularly among children.
Providing updates on ongoing reforms, Adigwe disclosed that Nigeria has secured major international research funding, including an €18 million vaccine research grant and partnerships with global institutions such as UNICEF. He added that collaborative clinical trials are being explored with several African countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana and Morocco.
He further noted that Nigeria has also made significant progress in local pharmaceutical production, with a major project on active pharmaceutical ingredients nearing completion, alongside capacity-building initiatives involving international academic partners like Stanford University.
The engagement, stakeholders said, marks the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s healthcare development one driven by innovation, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on delivering accessible, high-quality medical solutions to citizens.
