The European Union and Nigeria have joined forces in a collaborative effort to strengthen research and development capabilities in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry and to promote local production of vaccines and medical technologies.
The agreement, worth €18 million, was formalized during the EU Global Gateway High-Level event on education in Brussels.
Jutta Urpilainen, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and Didi Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, signed the agreement.
According to a statement released by the EU Head of Communication on Friday, Modestu Chukwulaka, the partnership underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting educational and health equity.
Commissioner Urpilainen emphasised the importance of investing in education and healthcare systems, stating, “Economic growth hinges on a well-educated, skilled workforce and robust healthcare systems. Therefore, investing in fortifying education and health systems globally is a pivotal aspect of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy.”
The funding, allocated under the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies in Africa, will support various aspects of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
This includes skills development through education and training, research and development, digitalization, and the establishment of a centralized system for forecasting, procurement, and distribution of quality medical products.
