The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s animal health system through strategic investments and partnerships aimed at expanding local veterinary vaccine production, reducing dependence on imports and improving the country’s capacity to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance during a presentation by Vacci Afric Biologics Limited on its proposed integrated veterinary vaccine manufacturing facility in Nigeria.
Maiha described the proposal as a timely intervention, noting that Nigeria currently faces a significant shortage of veterinary vaccines needed to combat priority livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and African Swine Fever (ASF).
He, however, stressed that vaccine manufacturing is a highly specialised scientific process that requires rigorous planning, internationally recognised production standards, strong regulatory oversight and close collaboration with relevant national institutions.
The Minister said the Federal Government welcomes private sector investment in addressing critical gaps in animal health but emphasised that all initiatives must comply with international scientific, regulatory and quality assurance standards.
He urged the company to strengthen collaboration with existing national institutions involved in veterinary vaccine research and production, particularly the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), adding that the Ministry would only support projects that demonstrate scientific credibility, biosafety compliance and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term veterinary vaccine security.
Officials of the Ministry also underscored the importance of developing a sustainable commercial strategy, establishing an efficient cold-chain distribution system, ensuring reliable utility infrastructure and presenting a clear operational model capable of sustaining vaccine production over the long term.
Presenting the proposal, the Managing Director of Vacci Afric Biologics Limited, Mr. Madu Ugochukwu, said the project was conceived after the company identified persistent weaknesses in the veterinary vaccine supply chain, particularly the loss of vaccine potency caused by inadequate cold-chain and logistics systems.
He explained that the company carried out extensive technical studies and engaged international partners to understand global best practices in vaccine manufacturing, regulatory compliance and technology transfer before embarking on the local production initiative.
According to Ugochukwu, the proposed facility will be established through a technology transfer partnership with a consortium of Chinese vaccine manufacturers, who will support the design, commissioning and initial operation of the plant alongside Nigerian professionals.
He said the Chinese technical partners will jointly operate the facility with Nigerian experts for an initial 24-month period, followed by an extended mentorship phase to ensure full technology transfer, local ownership and operational independence.
Ugochukwu further disclosed that consultations have already commenced with key government agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) to ensure full compliance with regulatory, investment and operational requirements.
He revealed that the project will commence with a 100 million US dollar Phase I investment, which is expected to create between 600 and 900 direct high-skilled jobs.
At full capacity, the facility is projected to produce 1.2 billion veterinary vaccine doses annually, meeting Nigeria’s domestic demand while positioning the country as a major supplier of veterinary vaccines to West and Central Africa.
