The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), will host a high-level health investment forum in Abuja on October 30.

The Nigeria–EU Health Investment Forum, themed “Made in Nigeria. Made for Health”, will bring together government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and investors.

It aims to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, strengthen regulatory systems, and mobilise investment across its pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.

The event, scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, will advance Nigeria’s health sector industrialisation and deepen strategic dialogue and sustainable partnerships with the EU.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in a statement on Tuesday, described the initiative as a defining moment for strategic partnership. “This forum brings together government, industry, research, and investors to turn ambition into action for health sovereignty and local production.

“The EU and Team Europe, through the Global Gateway, are investing in people, systems, and innovation. This transformation will strengthen how health products are made, distributed, and accessed across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region,” he said.

Mignot added that the event focuses on shaping a healthier and more self-reliant future. “We look forward to signing new partnerships, driving sustainable investments, and co-creating solutions that will reinforce Nigeria’s health security for decades to come.

“By aligning our investments with Nigeria’s healthcare reform agenda, we are supporting local producers and innovators who will build a stronger and more resilient health ecosystem across West Africa,” he noted.

Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director-General of NIPRD, described the forum as a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s health manufacturing renaissance.

“It will connect policy, innovation, and investment, while highlighting NIPRD’s role in driving evidence-based research that supports local pharmaceutical production,” he said.

Adigwe added that the conversations and partnerships emerging from the forum will shape the next decade of Nigeria’s health sector. “Our goal is to make ‘Made in Nigeria, Made for Health’ a reality that delivers sustainable impact across the country and the continent.

“We welcome this collaboration with the EU and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain as a pivotal step towards transforming Nigeria’s research outputs into viable industrial solutions. Together, we are building the foundations for equitable access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medicines made in Nigeria for Nigerians and other nationalities.”

Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, said the forum represents a turning point for Nigeria’s health sector transformation.

“Through this partnership with the EU and NIPRD, we are creating the conditions for large-scale private investment, expanding domestic manufacturing, and unlocking the economic potential of the health sector.

“The Presidential Initiative is committed to ensuring that the healthcare value chain becomes a driver of growth, innovation, and jobs, while ensuring that Nigerians have access to the products they need for a healthier life,” he said.

He said that during the forum, key participants will sign finalised contracts under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), as well as a regional agreement to be implemented by the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO) under the Team Europe Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Flagship.

“These agreements aim to harmonise SRHR policies, expand access to underused SRHR products and maternal health services, and strengthen accountability systems across the region.

“In addition, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Bayer AG, and Chromedix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Are forging a forward-looking partnership to position Nigeria as Africa’s next powerhouse for pharmaceutical innovation, manufacturing, and health sovereignty.

“The event will feature a policy showcase, deal-making sessions, and innovation-led discussions on sustainability, resilience, and equity in health.” (Daily Sun)