The European Union and Nigeria have entered into a collaborative agreement worth €18 million to bolster research and development capabilities aimed at implementing Nigeria’s national plan for pharmaceutical industry advancement and local production of vaccines and medical technologies.
This agreement was jointly signed by the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, during the EU Global Gateway High-Level event on education held in Brussels on Thursday.
In a statement released by the EU Head of Communication on Friday, Modestu Chukwulaka, it was emphasised that the partnership underscores the EU’s staunch commitment to promoting educational and health equity.
Commissioner Urpilainen said, “Economic growth hinges on a well-educated, skilled workforce and robust healthcare systems. Therefore, investing in fortifying education and health systems globally is a pivotal aspect of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy.
“Our investments in quality education, research, and training aim to empower future generations by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to confront global challenges and foster prosperity.”
The European funding, allocated under the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies in Africa, will provide support for enhancing various facets of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
This support included skills development through education and training, research and development (including advancements in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology), digitalization of essential ecosystem dimensions, the establishment of a centralized system for forecasting, procurement, and distribution of quality medical products, as well as trade, investment, and customs facilitation.