Fidson Healthcare wins USD6.2 billion deal to boost local ARV production

NIGERIA — The Federal Executive Council has approved a major healthcare initiative to secure the country’s supply of life-saving HIV medications and to upgrade cancer treatment facilities nationwide.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the development while briefing journalists after the council meeting.

He revealed that the approvals came following the presentation of two critical memos by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, both aimed at strengthening the government’s healthcare delivery system.

The first approval tackles a pressing concern that has worried health advocates and patients alike.

Nigeria maintains a policy of providing free antiretroviral drugs to people living with HIV and AIDS, but earlier this year, anxiety mounted over potential shortages of these essential medications.

The Council has now approved the procurement of antiretroviral drugs to ensure the programme continues without interruption.

“We know that Nigeria has a policy of providing free drugs to people living with HIV and AIDS,” Dr. Salako explained.

“Earlier in the year, there was some anxiety that Nigeria was going to run out of ARV. With this approval, the anxiety is laid to rest.”

Building local manufacturing capacity

The contract, valued at ₦9.99 billion (USD6.24 million), represents more than just a procurement deal.

The government has awarded it to Fidson HealthCare Plc, a local pharmaceutical company that will partner with an international brand to gradually build Nigeria’s domestic capacity for producing antiretroviral medicines.

This strategic approach aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision to unlock the healthcare value chain by empowering local pharmaceutical industries.

Rather than relying solely on imports, the initiative creates a pathway for Nigeria to eventually manufacture these critical drugs within its borders.

“Another significant part of this approval is that it is also being used to consolidate the programme of Mr. President to unlock the healthcare value chain,” Dr. Salako noted.

The minister emphasized that working with a global brand would enable the local company to acquire the technical expertise and infrastructure needed for long-term production.

Expanding cancer treatment across six regions

The second memo approved by the Council focuses on enhancing cancer care services throughout the country.

The government will replace outdated equipment, upgrade existing facilities, and provide specialized training for cancer treatment in six designated centers—one in each of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

These improvements will specifically strengthen radiotherapy services, which form an essential component of comprehensive cancer treatment.

The upgrade ensures that patients across different regions can access quality cancer care without traveling long distances to major cities.

The dual approvals signal the government’s commitment to addressing two of the country’s most pressing health challenges while simultaneously building local capacity for sustainable healthcare delivery.