Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain is under significant strain, driven by rising population needs, high dependence on imported medicines, governance fragmentation, and risks from counterfeit and substandard products. The recent exit of multinational manufacturers and the planned transition away from donor-funded procurement have intensified vulnerabilities, threatening affordability, availability, and system resilience.

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The system is fragmented, heavily reliant on imports, and faces workforce gaps, regulatory challenges, and limited local manufacturing capacity. Strengthening the supply chain is essential not only for improving equitable access to essential medicines but also for advancing Universal Health Coverage and national health security.

 

This policy report summarises insights from the first roundtable in the Nigeria Medicines Policy Series, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated, sustainable, and locally led solutions to ensure a resilient and effective pharmaceutical system.