The second quarter of 2025 marked a dynamic phase in Nigeria’s health sector, defined by reforms in pharmaceutical manufacturing, international collaboration, and stringent regulatory enforcement. The Federal Government announced a two-year exemption on import duty and VAT for pharmaceutical raw materials to boost local drug production and affordability. Codix Bio Ltd, a private Nigerian firm, unveiled the nation’s first large-scale Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) manufacturing facility, a significant step towards self-reliance in disease diagnostics.
Domestically, the House of Representatives declared a state of emergency in the Federal Capital Territory’s health system, citing gross inadequacies in infrastructure and personnel. Internationally, China pledged $500 million to the World Health Organization, while Nigeria solidified partnerships with Brazil on pharmaceuticals and health data systems. Bill Gates pledged the majority of his US$200 billion fortune to Africa’s development over the next 20 years, recognizing Nigeria’s leadership in public health reform.