Nigeria grants 24 billion naira in tax waivers to drug manufacturers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
The Nigerian government granted 24 billion naira in tax waivers to pharmaceutical manufacturers between 2025 and 2026 to support local production. Minister Muhammad Ali Pate also said ten factories or production lines have been commissioned, including six in 2026, according to Leadership.
The Nigerian government granted 24 billion naira in tax waivers to pharmaceutical manufacturers between 2025 and 2026 to support local drug production, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate said on Tuesday 10 November 2026. He was speaking in Abuja during the third joint annual review of the health sector, according to Leadership.
Muhammad Ali Pate said the waivers had been facilitated by a presidential decree signed in 2024 to boost investment in the healthcare value chain. The government has also commissioned ten factories and production lines, including six in 2026, dedicated notably to medicines, rapid diagnostic tests, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and medical oxygen, according to Leadership.
Nigeria has also concluded twelve technology-transfer agreements, with a potential investment pipeline exceeding $5 billion. The minister called for these projected investments to be turned into operational businesses capable of supplying safe, effective and affordable health products while creating jobs.
Minister of State for Health Iziaq Salako said the share of locally produced medicines had risen from 30% in 2023 to 50% in 2026. He also reported an increase of about 10% in the number of active local pharmaceutical companies, according to Leadership.
