The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has expressed hopes for the commencement of local vaccine production within the next decade, following the imminent commencement of the €18 million European Union (EU) grant aimed at supporting vaccine research and development in Nigeria.
The vaccine research grant agreement signed in 2024 by the EU and the Nigerian government is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s National Plan for Vaccine Research, Development, and Local Production (2024–2034). This is to help reduce dependence on imports and promote vaccine sovereignty in Nigeria.
Implementation Imminent
Dr Obi Adigwe, Director-General of NIPRD, during a session with newsmen in Abuja described the grant as a significant step towards reversing Africa’s vaccine dependency, which was glaring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During COVID, it was shameful that the whole of Africa depended on the Global North and Asia for vaccines,”he said.
“We also witnessed vaccine nationalism, where countries hoarded vaccines despite preaching equity and justice. That experience underscored the urgent need to build local capacity for vaccine research and production.” He said.
“That is why we pursued this EU grant to build such capacity. The result is this €18 million funding, which I believe is the largest vaccine-related grant awarded so far in Africa.” He concluded
According to him, the grant enabled the development of a comprehensive vaccine roadmap under NIPRD’s leadership, in collaboration with key ministries, international development partners, academia, and the private sector.
The roadmap outlines a phased strategy covering vaccine research, development, clinical trials, technology transfer, infrastructure expansion, regulatory capacity building, and large-scale local manufacturing. It also includes provisions for training and retaining skilled biopharmaceutical professionals to drive the envisioned ecosystem.
“Implementation is set to begin. We have already deployed a team to UNICEF, one of the grant’s implementing partners, and we expect to announce major developments soon,” he noted.
Future Projection
Dr. Adigwe projected that within the next decade, Nigeria could have three to four companies manufacturing vaccines locally.
“We are open to sharing the vaccine roadmap with stakeholders and partners committed to this critical journey towards vaccine self-sufficiency,” he stated.
“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in accessing lifesaving vaccines.” He concluded.
