By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector is experiencing a surge in foreign investment following the introduction of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s “5+5 Policy,” a reform aimed at strengthening local drug manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
Since its rollout in 2018 by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the policy has begun to reshape the industry, attracting international pharmaceutical firms to establish production facilities in Nigeria and partner with local companies.
Speaking during a diplomatic meeting in Abuja with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Bambang Suharto, Prof. Adeyeye said the initiative is already delivering measurable gains, positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for pharmaceutical investment.
She attributed this growing confidence to Nigeria’s improved regulatory standing, including achieving the World Health Organization’s Maturity Level 3 status and securing recertification in 2025 for the regulation of medicines and vaccines. These milestones, she noted, underscore the country’s commitment to global standards in drug safety and quality.
Prof. Adeyeye also highlighted the role of NAFDAC’s advanced Biologics and Vaccines Laboratory located in Yaba, Lagos, describing it as a key asset in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for pharmaceutical regulation and production across Sub-Saharan Africa.
At the heart of the transformation is the “5+5 Policy,” formally known as the Five Plus Five-Year Validity Policy.
The framework mandates that pharmaceutical product licenses are valid for five years, during which companies must outline plans to transition from importation to local manufacturing. By the fourth year, firms are required to either partner with Nigerian manufacturers or establish domestic production facilities. Compliance enables a renewal of the license for another five-year term, subject to strict regulatory monitoring.
According to Prof. Adeyeye, the policy is designed not only to build local manufacturing capacity but also to enhance drug security, improve access to quality medicines, and drive broader economic growth.
Reaffirming NAFDAC’s commitment, she assured prospective investors of the agency’s support in facilitating the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Ambassador Suharto praised Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership, describing her approach as pragmatic and forward-looking. He emphasized that Nigeria’s large population and expanding healthcare market present significant opportunities for Indonesian pharmaceutical companies.
The ambassador also revealed Indonesia’s interest in deepening bilateral ties through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with NAFDAC, aimed at promoting trade, technical cooperation, and capacity development in the pharmaceutical sector.
Industry observers say the policy marks a significant step toward transforming Nigeria into a regional hub for pharmaceutical production, with potential long-term benefits for public health and economic resilience.
