Nigeria is witnessing increased foreign investment in its pharmaceutical sector following the implementation of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s “5+5 Policy,” a strategic initiative designed to promote local production of medicines.
The policy, introduced in 2018 by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has begun to yield significant results, with a growing number of foreign investors establishing manufacturing plants in Nigeria or entering into partnerships with indigenous pharmaceutical companies to produce medicines locally.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Bambang Suharto, Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the positive impact of the policy on the nation’s pharmaceutical landscape.
She noted that Nigeria’s attainment of the World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3, as well as its recertification in 2025 for the regulation of medicines and vaccines, has positioned the country as an attractive destination for pharmaceutical investment.
According to her, NAFDAC also operates a state-of-the-art Biologics and Vaccines Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos, further strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory and production capabilities within Sub-Saharan Africa.
Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to the 5+5 Policy, Prof. Adeyeye assured the Ambassador of NAFDAC’s readiness to support prospective investors seeking to establish manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.
She explained that the policy is aimed at boosting local production, enhancing drug security, and reducing dependence on imported pharmaceuticals.
The 5+5 Policy, also known as the Five Plus Five-Year Validity Policy, is an import-to-local production migration strategy. Under the framework, product registration licenses are valid for five years.
By the fourth year, companies are required to submit detailed plans either through partnerships with Nigerian pharmaceutical firms or by establishing local manufacturing facilities for transitioning to domestic production.
Upon meeting these requirements, licenses may be renewed for an additional five years, during which NAFDAC closely monitors compliance with the migration plan.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that beyond strengthening the pharmaceutical industry, the policy is designed to stimulate economic growth, expand access to quality medicines, build local manufacturing capacity, and ultimately ensure national drug security.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bambang Suharto commended the leadership of Prof. Adeyeye, describing her as pragmatic and committed to advancing Nigeria’s healthcare and regulatory systems.
He noted that Nigeria’s large population and growing market make it an attractive destination for Indonesian pharmaceutical companies.
The Ambassador further expressed his country’s interest in formalizing collaboration with NAFDAC through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance trade, technical exchange, and capacity building between both nations.
