• The two countries sign an MoU to boost Nigeria’s capacity to produce medicines and vaccines.
• The agreement focuses on technology transfer, skills building and industrial collaboration.
• Nigeria aims to produce most of its medicines by 2030 as import dependence remains high.

Nigeria and Brazil have signed a memorandum of understanding intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to produce essential medicines and vaccines locally, reducing its reliance on imports and reinforcing its health security.

According to the Nigerian government, which announced the deal on November 26, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative will serve as the framework for addressing bottlenecks across the health-value chain. The initiative will prioritize technology transfer, capacity building and an expansion of local production, with the goal of positioning Nigeria as a regional pharmaceutical hub.

NIGERIA AND BRAZIL SIGN STRATEGIC MOU TO BOOST LOCAL PHARMACEUTICAL ANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION

In a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare and industrial capacity, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare today hosted the signing of a Memorandum… pic.twitter.com/R39Rdwrdgc

— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov) November 26, 2025

The partnership also aims to create lasting technical and industrial ties between Abuja and Brasília by promoting knowledge sharing, skills development and investment in local infrastructure. The MoU follows a series of agreements signed in August during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Brazil, when both sides emphasized the need to expand cooperation in drug development, vaccine production and broader industrial growth.

According to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, 70% of the medicines consumed in Nigeria are imported, and all active pharmaceutical ingredients used in local manufacturing come from abroad. In addition to this dependence, medicine prices—whether locally produced or imported—have risen sharply, threatening access to treatment.

The government is working to accelerate the country’s self-sufficiency in vaccines and pharmaceuticals, promote local production, create new economic opportunities and spur job growth. Nigeria aims to produce 70% of its pharmaceutical needs by 2030 and 60% of its vaccines by 2040, while reducing drug imports to 40%.