The Nigerian government, in partnership with Brazil’s largest pharmaceutical group EMS S/A and Oaks Medical Limited, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish “Project Oaks,” a WHO GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and life sciences innovation hub in Nigeria.
The signing, witnessed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Brazil and high-level discussions with President Lula on strengthening collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector.
The initiative is designed to boost local drug production, reduce import dependence, and build a more resilient national pharmaceutical supply chain. When fully operational, Project Oaks is expected to deliver affordable, high-quality medicines to more than 30 million Nigerians, addressing chronic shortages and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in regional pharmaceutical exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Beyond production, the project will facilitate technology transfer, build local capacity, and expand Nigeria’s industrial base in health. It is projected to create over 1,200 skilled jobs, train young Nigerians in advanced manufacturing, and strengthen expertise in life sciences innovation.
Prof. Pate reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to supporting pharmaceutical investment, noting ongoing reforms to simplify regulations, enhance the national drug regulator, incentivize local raw material production, and balance public interest with private sector growth. He added that Nigeria’s participation in the African Medicines Agency would further expand market access for domestic and regional manufacturers.
Project Oaks exemplifies a strategic push toward medical industrialisation in Nigeria, empowering the workforce, driving innovation, and fostering self-sufficiency in healthcare production.
