Korede Abdullah 
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate
ANAMBRA, Nigeria – Global pharmaceutical giant Bayer is establishing a reproductive health commodities manufacturing plant in Anambra State, a move expected to boost local pharmaceutical production, create jobs and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported family planning products.
The Bayer reproductive health plant is already under construction, according to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
Pate announced the investment on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the High-Level Inter-Ministerial Platform on Family Planning, Health, Human Capital and Sustainable National Development.
He said the project demonstrates growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry following President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order aimed at strengthening local manufacturing.
“Rather than depending entirely on imported products, Nigeria is now building the capacity to manufacture essential reproductive health commodities locally. This will create economic value, generate employment and strengthen the healthcare system,” Pate said.
He noted that Nigeria’s projected population of between 450 million and 500 million people by 2050 could become a major economic advantage if supported by sustained investments in healthcare, education and human capital development.
The minister said the newly inaugurated inter-ministerial platform would coordinate policies across government and ensure adequate funding and measurable outcomes for family planning and health programmes.
Managing Director of the FP2030 West and Central Africa Office, Dr Alain Damiba, described the initiative as a significant milestone in integrating family planning into Nigeria’s national development agenda.
“Health, including family planning, is a smart investment in human capital and Nigeria’s future,” Damiba said.
He urged participating ministries to align priorities, strengthen accountability, reduce duplication and improve collaboration, adding that Nigeria’s model could provide lessons for other African countries.
Pate said increased domestic production of reproductive health commodities would strengthen healthcare delivery, improve supply chains and support national economic development.
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