FG Backs Private Sector Initiative on Local Veterinary Vaccine Manufacturing

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria's animal health systems through strategic investments and partnerships that will expand local veterinary vaccine production, reduce dependence on imports and enhance the country's capacity to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases.

The Honourable 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, stressing that while the government welcomes private sector participation in closing critical gaps in animal health, all initiatives must align with international scientific, regulatory and quality assurance standards.

Mukhtar described the proposal as timely, noting that Nigeria currently faces a significant deficit in the availability of veterinary vaccines required to combat priority livestock diseases, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and African Swine Fever (ASF). 

He, however, emphasised that vaccine production is a highly specialised scientific undertaking requiring rigorous planning, internationally recognised manufacturing standards, strong regulatory oversight and close collaboration with relevant national institutions.

The Minister further advised the company to strengthen engagement with existing national institutions involved in veterinary vaccine research and production, particularly the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), stressing that the Ministry would only support initiatives 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 highlighted the importance of establishing a sustainable commercial strategy, developing a reliable cold-chain distribution network, ensuring dependable 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, explained that the initiative was conceived after the company identified persistent weaknesses in the veterinary vaccine supply chain, particularly the decline in vaccine potency between procurement and delivery to end users due to cold-chain and logistics challenges.

He said the company embarked on extensive technical studies, including engagements with international partners, to understand global best practices in vaccine manufacturing, regulatory compliance and technology transfer before deciding to pursue local production.

According to him, 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 personnel.

Ugochukwu explained that under the arrangement, the Chinese technical partners are expected to operate the facility with Nigerian professionals for an initial 24-month period, followed by an extended mentorship phase designed to ensure full local ownership and operational capacity.

He further informed the Ministry that consultations have commenced with relevant government institutions, 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 compliance with regulatory, investment and operational requirements.

Initial operations for the proposed facility will kick off under a $100 million Phase I investment, generating 600 to 900 direct, high-skilled jobs. At peak capacity, it is expected to manufacture 1.2 billion veterinary vaccine doses each year, securing Nigeria’s domestic vaccine needs before expanding distribution across the West and Central African sub-regions.

Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations 
21st July 2026