The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to health sector reform with a renewed focus on gene therapy and other advanced medical innovations aimed at improving care delivery and strengthening medicine security.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s healthcare system and expand access to life-saving treatments.
Salako explained that gene therapy and cell-based treatments, including Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, hold promise for managing complex diseases such as cancer and sickle cell disorder, which remain major public health concerns in the country.
According to him, the government’s strategy is anchored on the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, designed to promote local pharmaceutical production, encourage research, and attract global partnerships.
The Director-General of National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Obi Adigwe, said efforts were underway to build scientific capacity and strengthen translational research to ensure that emerging therapies are tailored to Nigeria’s health priorities.
He noted that collaboration with international organisations, including Caring Cross, would help accelerate access to breakthrough therapies while improving affordability for patients.
In addition, the government is supporting local pharmaceutical companies to meet global standards set by the World Health Organization, particularly in achieving prequalification for essential medicines.
Experts say attaining such certification would enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market and reduce reliance on imported drugs.
Salako also disclosed the establishment of a National Phytomedicines Development Committee to harness the country’s biodiversity for drug development, blending traditional medicine with modern scientific approaches.
Stakeholders, however, cautioned that sustained investment, infrastructure development, and skilled manpower would be critical to fully realise the benefits of gene therapy and other cutting-edge treatments.
They added that while the reform signals a significant step toward a more resilient healthcare system, long-term success would depend on effective implementation and continuous funding.
