By Precious Mark
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s animal health systems by expanding local veterinary vaccine production through a $100 million phase I private sector investment.
The plant is projected to create 600 to 900 high-skilled jobs and produce 1.2 billion vaccine doses annually at peak capacity, significantly reducing reliance on imports and combating transboundary animal diseases.
The minister of livestock development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance on Wednesday, during a presentation by Vacci Afric biologics limited on its proposed integrated veterinary vaccine manufacturing facility in Nigeria.
He stressed that while government welcomes private sector partnerships, all initiatives must align with international scientific, regulatory, and quality assurance standards.
Describing the proposal as timely, Mukhtar noted that Nigeria faces a significant deficit in veterinary vaccines needed to control priority livestock diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants, and African swine fever.
He emphasized that vaccine production requires rigorous planning, strong regulatory oversight, and close alignment with national institutions like the national veterinary research institute.
Ministry officials also highlighted the need for a sustainable commercial strategy, a reliable cold-chain distribution network, dependable infrastructure, and a clear long-term operational model to sustain the massive multi-million dollar venture.
Presenting the project, the managing director of Vacci Afric biologics limited, Mr. Madu Ugochukwu, explained that the initiative aims to address persistent weaknesses in the veterinary vaccine supply chain. He noted that cold-chain and logistics failures often degrade vaccine potency before reaching end users.
“The proposed facility will be established through a technology transfer partnership with a consortium of Chinese vaccine manufacturers,” Ugochukwu revealed.
“They will support the design, commissioning, and initial operation of the plant alongside Nigerian personnel.”
Under the agreement, Chinese technical partners will co-operate the facility with Nigerian professionals for 24 months, followed by an extended mentorship phase to build full local operational capacity. Consultations are already underway with NAFDAC, the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment, and NEPZA to ensure full regulatory compliance.