By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Federal Government has expressed readiness to support Kwara’s drive for local production of medicines and vaccines by addressing gaps in healthcare sector.
The National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr. Abdu Mukhtar stated this on Monday in Ilorin while speaking at the National and Regional Harmonization Conferences 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PVAC, launched as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Oct. 2023, is under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The programme was themed: “Contextualising the Presidential Initiative to Achieve Local Production of Medicines and Vaccines in Nigeria”.
Mukhtar who was represented by Dr Olajide Adebola, National Conference Facilitator emphasised that access to essential medicines and vaccines is an initiative that the Federal Government is passionate about.
He explained that the government will support Kwara in its efforts to localise the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
According to him, Kwara is strategically position in the North Central, while noting that the expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies will ensure expansion of Clinical Trial Centres.
Mukhtar added that such industry will create over 500,000 jobs, while advising Kwara to resuscitate its once vibrant Cassava production that can be utilised as agent in pharmaceutical drugs colouring.
In her welcoming address, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, stated that Kwara has immense opportunity in becoming a hub of pharmaceutical industries.
She added that the state has a vibrant academic community, and a resilient healthcare workforce.
“There is a growing interest from private sector stakeholders eager to invest in local pharmaceutical production,” she said.
El-Imam however observed that the journey towards self-sufficiency in medicines and vaccines requires a concerted effort, and aligning national visions with regional realties.